The Canary (Serinus canaria domestica): A Symphony in a Small Package
The Canary is celebrated worldwide for its beautiful and elaborate song, a hallmark of this charming species.
The Original Songbird Companion
The Domestic Canary (Serinus canaria domestica) is a charming little songbird that belongs to the finch family, hailing from the beautiful Macaronesian Islands, which include the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. These delightful birds have been domesticated for centuries. While they may not be the kind of pets you can cuddle like parrots, they are loved for their stunning looks and, most importantly, their amazing singing voices. Their joyful presence and musical talents have made them beloved companions in homes for over 500 years.
The Famous Canary Song
The canary's song is its most prized attribute. It's a complex, rolling melody filled with a variety of notes, trills, and warbles. It's important to note that only male canaries produce this elaborate song. They sing primarily to attract a mate and to establish their territory. The song is most frequent and intense during the breeding season (spring). A healthy, happy male canary will sing for a large part of the day.
Listen to the beautiful song of a male canary:
Male or Female? It's All in the Song
Visually distinguishing a male from a female canary is extremely difficult for the average person. While experts can sometimes note subtle differences in posture or the vent area during breeding season, the only definitive way for a pet owner to tell is by behavior:
Male Canary: Sings a long, complex, and beautiful song.
Female Canary: Does not sing. She will produce short, simple "chips" and calls, but lacks the musical repertoire of the male.
If you want a singer, you must get a male canary.
Types and Colors: More Than Just Yellow
While the iconic "Tweety Bird" is yellow, canaries have been bred into a vast array of types, generally grouped into three categories:
Color-bred Canaries: Bred for their specific colors. This includes the classic yellow, but also white, orange, and the famous Red Factor, which requires a special color-enhancing diet to maintain its reddish hue.
Type Canaries: Bred for their shape and conformation. Examples include the Gloster (with its "Beatles haircut" crest), the Fife, and the large Yorkshire canary.
Song Canaries: Bred specifically for the quality of their song, not their appearance. Famous examples include the German Roller, the Waterslager, and the Spanish Timbrado.
The diversity of canaries extends far beyond yellow, including Red-factor (left) and crested types like the Gloster (right).
Canary Care: A Guide for Owners
Canaries are relatively easy to care for and can live for 10-12 years with proper attention.
Cage and Environment
A rectangular cage is better than a round one, as it gives the bird clear flight paths. The cage should be large enough for the canary to fly short distances between perches. Provide perches of different sizes to exercise their feet. Place the cage in a well-lit room, away from drafts and direct, intense sunlight.
Diet and Nutrition
A high-quality seed mix formulated for canaries can be the base of their diet. This should be supplemented with specially formulated pellets, as well as small amounts of fresh greens (like kale and broccoli) and fruits (like apple and orange). A cuttlebone should always be available for calcium. Red-factor canaries require a special diet to maintain their color.
Social Interaction
Canaries are not "cuddly" birds. They prefer not to be handled and are best enjoyed for their song and beauty. They are solitary by nature and a single male will sing more prolifically than one housed with other birds. Never house two male canaries together as they will fight.
Our Ornithologist's Tip
By the Les-Oiseaux.com team, published on July 11, 2025
My personal advice: The most common concern for new canary owners is, "Why did my canary stop singing?" Don't panic! The most frequent reason is the annual molt.
Once a year (usually in late summer), your canary will replace all its feathers. This process is incredibly draining, and the bird will divert all its energy to growing new plumage, causing it to stop singing completely. The molt can last 6-8 weeks. During this time, ensure your bird has excellent nutrition (extra protein can help) and a stress-free environment. His glorious song will return once he is fully feathered and feeling his best again.
Conservation Status
The Domestic Canary is not rated by the IUCN. Its wild ancestor, the Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria), is listed as "Least Concern," with a large and stable population in its native islands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do only male canaries sing?
The canary's complex song is primarily used to attract a mate and defend territory, which are roles performed by the male. While females can chirp and make calls, they do not produce the elaborate, rolling song that male canaries are famous for.
Can a canary live with other birds?
Canaries are territorial and should generally not be housed with other species. While multiple canaries can be kept in a very large flight cage, male canaries will fight, especially during breeding season. They are often happiest kept singly, where their song will be most prominent.
What are red-factor canaries?
Red-factor canaries are a specific type of 'color-bred' canary. They get their reddish-orange hue from their diet, which must be supplemented with foods rich in beta-carotene or specific color-enhancing additives. Without this special diet, they will molt back to a yellow or pale orange color.
