What Birds Can I Keep With My Canaries?

Canaries make great pets or a lovely addition to an aviary. They are social birds and should not be left alone for long periods. Because canaries are a type of soft bill, they can be housed with most other soft bills; these birds are also sometimes referred to as wax bills. When housed with species other than canaries, it is best to provide a large cage or aviary environment. Always closely observe new additions for compatibility.

  1. Finches

    • Most finches kept as pets are native to Australia or Africa. Many can be compatible with canaries, given the right circumstances. The most commonly kept species are society and zebra finches. However, finches come in many spectacular colors, so not only can they serve as companions to your canary but add color and an element of interest to your aviary. Some of the more brightly colored finches include lady gouldians, shafttails and cordon bleu.

    Red-billed Leiothrix

    • Commonly known as the Peking robin or Peking nightingale, the red-billed leiothrix is a songbird native to Southeast Asia and India. They were introduced to the U.S. in 1911. Although this bird typically cohabitates well with other soft bills, they can become territorial during breeding season; it is important that the aviary is large enough to avoid potential conflicts. The leiothrix was prized in its native land for its beautiful song; this also makes it appealing to bird keepers. They are easy to keep and relatively hardy.

    Mourning Doves

    • Mourning doves, also called Carolina doves, are native to the U.S. and parts of Central America. Doves make excellent aviary birds; they are gentle and compatible with most soft bills. Because doves are primarily ground-dwelling birds, they help keep an aviary clean by eating seed dropped by other birds.

    Button Quail

    • Button quail are another ground-dwelling species. They are the smallest quail species and make an adorable addition to your aviary. Easy to care for, button quail are good starter birds for beginner bird keepers. They are prolific breeders, so this should be taken into consideration before purchasing them.