Description: Canarie
The Canary is a small, charming songbird that has delighted pet owners for centuries with its melodious singing and vibrant plumage. Native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores, this bird was first brought to Europe by Spanish sailors in the 15th century and has since been selectively bred into a variety of colors and types. Canaries are well-known for their gentle temperament, relatively easy care, and ability to thrive in captivity, making them an excellent choice for beginner bird owners. Though best known for their sweet song, especially from male canaries, they are also admired for their liveliness and visual appeal. Canaries do not require much space, and with proper care, they can live for 10-15 years. They are generally kept as solitary pets but can coexist alongside other small, non-aggressive bird species.
Canarie ratings
Properties
The 'Canarie' refers to the Canary, a small songbird species that originates from the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. The Canary (Serinus canaria) was first domesticated in the 17th century and has since become one of the most popular pet birds worldwide, renowned for its singing abilities, vibrant colors, and charming personality. Canaries belong to the finch family (Fringillidae) and were introduced throughout Europe due to their melodic and complex songs, making them favorites in bird keeping and aviculture.
Physically, Canaries are small–typically measuring 12-20 centimeters in length. Their plumage can vary greatly depending on the breed, ranging from the classic yellow to shades of green, orange, white, and red. Selective breeding has produced various color and feather type mutations. Their average lifespan spans 8-10 years, but with excellent care, some individuals have been known to live up to 15 years.
Behaviorally, Canaries are known for their docility and gentle temperament. Unlike parrots, they are not interactive pets; they seldom enjoy being handled, though they can recognize and become accustomed to their owners’ presence. Males are celebrated for their song, which they use to attract mates and establish territory. The complexity and duration of a male canary's song vary according to breed, health, and individual ability. Females generally do not sing or do so very sparsely.
These birds require a spacious cage placed in a well-lit, draught-free environment. Canaries are highly sensitive to environmental factors—household chemicals, overheating, and fumes can be harmful to them. Their diet primarily consists of specialized canary seed mixtures, but they also benefit from fresh greens, vegetables, and occasional fruit. Fresh water is essential.
Canaries are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners and experienced birdkeepers. They are happiest when given room to fly, opportunities for bathing, and an environment free from stress or sudden loud noises. While they can live alone, the companionship of another canary can be enriching, but males should generally not be housed together, as territorial disputes may arise.
Overall, the Canary’s combination of ease of care, lovely appearance, and melodious song has secured its enduring popularity as a pet and avian companion.
Appearance
The Canary, or "Canarie" as sometimes referred to in various languages, is a small passerine bird that is best known for its vibrant plumage, lively personality, and melodious song. The domestic canary (Serinus canaria domestica) has been bred for centuries, leading to a remarkable diversity in appearance, though certain characteristics remain consistent across the breed.
The typical Canary has a compact, slender body, with an average length ranging from 12 to 14 centimeters (approximately 4.7 to 5.5 inches) from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail. The wings are short and rounded, sitting neatly against the sides when the bird is at rest, while the tail is slightly forked, lending elegance to the bird’s silhouette.
One of the most striking features of the Canary is its plumage. Although wild canaries are generally a greenish-yellow, selective breeding has led to a tremendous array of colors in domesticated varieties. Today, Canaries can be found in shades of bright yellow, orange, white, green, brown, and even variegated patterns that incorporate two or more colors. The feathers are soft and smooth, lying flat against the body and giving the Canary a sleek and well-groomed appearance. Some specialties like the Red Factor Canary boast a brilliant orange-red plumage, while Frilled Canaries possess uniquely curled and frilled feathers, particularly noticeable around the chest and flanks.
The beak of the Canary is short, conical, and pale in color, well-adapted for cracking seeds, which are the primary component of its diet. The eyes are typically round, dark, and alert, set well on the sides of the head, offering a bright and lively expression. Legs and feet are slender, pinkish, or light brown, equipped with sharp little claws for perching on branches or cage bars.
Sexual dimorphism is subtle in most Canary breeds, as males and females usually share similar coloration and size, though males often display slightly brighter feathers, especially during the breeding season. There are also several distinct types of Canaries bred specifically for their appearance, including the Border Canary, the Gloster with its “corona” crest, and the Norwich with its robust build.
Overall, the appearance of the Canary is one of delight, charm, and elegance, making it a popular choice for aviculture enthusiasts and pet owners alike.
History
The 'Canarie', often referred to as the Canary or Serinus canaria domestica, is a small songbird that has a fascinating and intricate history closely linked with human society. The breed's origins trace back to the native wild canary, Serinus canaria, which is indigenous to the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira, full of lush habitats that supported their populations for centuries.
European sailors and explorers are credited with first encountering the canary bird around the 15th century, following their expeditions and colonization efforts. The Spanish conquerors, in particular, were enchanted by these birds' melodious song and vibrant appearance; they soon began importing them into mainland Europe as early as the late 1400s. The earliest documented shipments were tightly controlled by Spanish and Portuguese traders, who limited supply by exporting only male birds – prized for their superior singing – to maintain their value as luxurious and rare pets, particularly among the European aristocracy.
As their popularity soared across Spain, Italy, France, and later England, enterprising individuals began to breed canaries in captivity. By the 17th century, the knowledge of breeding spread, and canaries became more accessible. This democratization led to rapid developments in selective breeding for various features, including color, song quality, and feather type. For instance, German breeders in the Harz Mountains became renowned for producing canaries with astonishing singing abilities. Similarly, the British and Dutch emphasized breeding for unique patterns and exotic varieties. These efforts led to the development of numerous distinct canary breeds, such as the Border, Fife, Gloster, and the Red Factor canary, each with its characteristics.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, canaries played practical roles as well. Most notably, canaries were widely used in coal mines as early warning systems for toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide. Their sensitivity to air quality made them invaluable for miners, and the phrase 'canary in a coal mine' endures in English to this day. By the 20th century, canaries became perhaps the world’s most beloved pet songbird, symbolizing beauty, joy, and even worker safety. Today, the canary stands as both a treasured companion and a testament to centuries of careful breeding, cultural exchange, and mutual adaptation between species and societies.