Instructions
Listen for any singing---males typically sing, while females do not. However, this technique is not always accurate, as sometimes females will also carry a tune. Although, typically, when a female sings, it is usually weak and she only sings small parts. When a male sings, it is usually strong and he sings for long periods of time.
Look for any eggs in the cage. If your canary has laid an egg, it is definitely a female, according to AvianWeb.com.
Note any nest-building taking place. If it is breeding season, which typically occurs around February, a female will begin shredding any available nesting material, and start building a nest, states the canary breeding information website Petcraft.com.
Examine the canary during breeding season. Either blow the feathers away or use your finger to push them out of the way around the pelvic bone in the area of the bird's anus, or vent. Look towards the direction of the abdomen. Males will typically have what appears to be a penis---a protrusion the diameter of a pencil eraser, according to the canary breeding website WesternWaterslager.com. A female will have a rounded pelvic area, which will almost resemble the shape of a torpedo when she is in season.
Take the canary to an avian veterinarian. Through the use of ultrasound technology, the doctor can likely determine what gender the canary is.
How to Know If You Have a Male or Female Canary
Knowing the sex of a canary is important, especially for breeding, or even for name-selection purposes. Sometimes, it is difficult to know whether you have a male or a female until mating season, when they typically display certain distinguishing behaviors. However, if you need to know the sex of your canary at a different time, there are a few features that can be identified to inform you of the gender of your canary.