There are three major group types of canaries: type, color, and song canaries. In addition to type, color, and song, there are also hybrid and border canaries with their own distinct features. Let’s explore each type, and discuss its unique characteristics and traits.
Colorbred Canaries
This group includes canaries that have been selectively bred for their bright and vibrant colors. Colorbred are divided into different sub-groups, including red-factor, yellow, and white canaries. The Red-factor canary, for example, is bred to have a red or orange hue to its feathers, while yellow is bred to have a bright yellow coloration.
Song Canaries
This group includes canaries that have been selectively bred for their beautiful singing ability. There are many different types of song canaries, each with their own unique vocalizations. The Roller is known for its prolonged and complex songs, while the American Singer has a powerful and melodic voice. The Waterslager, on the other hand, is known for its ability to mimic the sound of running water.
While song canaries may look the same as color-bred in terms of their physical appearance, their exceptional singing ability sets them apart and makes them highly sought after as pets and competitors in singing competitions. Check out our article, ‘An Overview of Popular Types of Song Canaries,’ to learn about the most sought-after breeds of singing canary birds.
Type Canaries
This group includes canary birds that have been selectively bred for their unique physical characteristics. The Norwich Canary, for example, is known for its round head and short beak. The Crested Canary has a distinctive head crest, while the Lancashire has a long and slender body. Type canaries are often bred for their appearance rather than their singing ability.
Border
This group includes canaries that have been bred for their distinctive and intricate feather patterns. Border canaries come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including solid colors, variegated colors, and spangled patterns. They are often bred for showing purposes, and their unique plumage makes them popular among bird enthusiasts.
Hybrids
This group is the result of breeding between different canary varieties or even between canaries and other bird species such as the European goldfinch. Hybrid canary crosses can have a wide range of physical and behavioral characteristics, depending on their parentage. Some hybrids in this group are bred for their unique coloration, while others are bred for their singing ability or other desirable traits.
Our article provided informative examples of the various canary bird varieties within each type, including colorbred , song, type canaries, and more. Discover more canary varieties in our article: Canary Types and Varieties.