The Differences in Canary & Finch

Canaries and finches are popular birds kept as pets because of their bright colors, good temperaments and small size. Though these domesticated birds have some similarities, they are also quite different in regards to appearance, behavior and species history. Finches and canaries also have different nutritional needs and require specialized diets.

  1. Appearance

    • Finches are usually slightly larger than canaries.

      Canaries are small birds, usually only 4 to 8 inches in length, depending on the breed. Canaries are usually yellow, green or white in color. Finches vary in size depending on the species, but like canaries, they are not large birds. They usually measure about 3 to 8 inches in length. Finches have small, stout beaks and come in a variety of colors. The gold finch is known for its bright yellow feathers, while the British gold finch is brown and black.

    History

    • Charles Darwin observed changes in Galapagos finch beaks over several generations.

      Domesticated canaries are related to wild canaries, which are native to the northwestern coast of Africa, including, as the name suggests, the Canary Islands. Canaries were introduced into Europe in the early 1700s and were crossbred with native songbirds. Many species of finches are found all across the world. Hundreds of species of finches are native to all parts of the globe except Australia. The most well-known finches are those that Charles Darwin observed in the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. It was by watching the beak shapes of finches change over generations that he developed his theory of natural selection.

    Diet

    • Pet stores sell different mixtures of seeds for finches and canaries.

      Domestic canaries are usually fed a special canary seed mix, which often contains seeds, niger and red rape. Domestic finches also eat a specialized mix that usually includes sprouts and millet. Finches are also fed insects such as meal worms and fruit flies.

    Behavior

    • Finches and canaries are social birds.

      Both canaries and finches are active birds. Canaries are known for their varied calls. Canaries perform several distinct songs. Finches, on the other hand, are usually quiet. Some finch species sing, but it is not common. Finches are social birds and usually get along well with birds of different species, however, some larger species of finch do bully smaller birds.