For many years I have been asked questions about canaries.....and for years I have resembled a deer caught in headlights due to my lack of knowledge. I decided to do some research, broaden my horizons and learn something about these beautiful creatures....
A BORDER FANCY is one of the most popular types of canaries.....it got its name because it originated in the 'border' counties of England and Scotland.
The GLOSTER comes in two types....a crested type called a corona and the plain headed one known as the consort. GLOSTERS have short chubby bodies and the crest looks like one of the "Beatles".
One of the largest canaries is the NORWICH. This little fellow has a well rounded pudgy body and looks as if you could cuddle him. NORWICH make wonderful show birds as well as pets because of their temperament.....they seem to be relatively calm and easy going.
FRILLS are the oddest looking of all of the canaries.....they are quite large and their feathers turn upward like the 'flip' hairdo of the '50's and '60's. The feathers split down the back and form a part which allows the feathers to fall to each side. If you come across one of these beauties you will immediately be able to identify it as a FRILL.
The first canaries bred for their song were the ROLLERS. The ROLLERS came from the Hartz Mountains in Germany. ROLLERS sing with their beaks closed. The sound comes from the vibrating muscles in their trachea and bronchi. General rule is the longer and wider the trachea the deeper the song.
I found this most interesting.....the AMERICAN SINGER, which is very popular, was created by crossing the closed mouthed singing ROLLER with the open mouthed singing BORDER. This crossover sings a blend of the roller song and the chopper song.
Most of the other types of canaries sing the CHOPPER song. This song requires the beak to be open....this is not a sweet refined song but a relatively boisterious one which is very happy and cheerful.
I will continue my education and share with you my findings.
Have a peaceful March.
anne