About the Canary

Canaries are small songbirds native to the Macaronesian Islands, including the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. These cheerful birds have been popular pets for centuries, prized for their melodious songs and bright, usually yellow, plumage. Canaries are actually a type of finch and come in a variety of colors beyond the typical yellow, including white, orange, and even red. In the wild, canaries feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They are known for their sensitivity to toxic gases, which led to their historical use in coal mines as early warning systems for dangerous air conditions. Canaries are social birds that can live up to 10 years with proper care. Their popularity as pets has led to the development of many different breeds, some specialized for singing and others for their appearance.