How to Identify Canaries

Identifying species of birds can be tricky, even for veteran birdwatchers, but there are a few indicators that will help you determine the type of bird you are seeing. If you are close to the bird and it isn't flying, the task is much easier. Identifying canaries, a type of small bird related to finches and serins, is relatively simple, particularly because they are most often seen as a domesticated animal. However, if you are in West Africa, you might see a wild canary, in which case, identifying the the bird as a canary might be more difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird field guide
Show More

Instructions

  1. In a Domestic Setting

    • 1

      Examine the bird's body shape and size. Canaries will only be between 4 and 8 inches from the end of the beak to the tail. They will be shaped similarly to sparrows, with rounded bodies and a short beak.

    • 2

      Examine the coloration of the bird. In captivity, a wide range of colorations occur in canaries, due to breeding. Canaries can be bright yellow, but can also be orange, peach, or a combination of these colors. Occasionally, canaries will also have some tan or brown markings, particularly streaking on their backs. If the bird you are looking at is brown all over, or has a lot of black on it, it is not a canary.

    • 3

      Listen to any vocalizing the bird does. Canaries have a distinctive song that includes trills, twittering and warbling. If you don't know what a canary song sounds like, try listening to canary song clips online to get an idea. A domesticated canary will also sometimes mimic sounds he hears frequently, so pay attention to vocalizing that is similar to a microwave beeping or alarm clock.

    In a Wild Setting

    • 4

      Approach the bird as closely as you can without disturbing it. Estimate the size of the bird; canaries will be between 4 and 6 inches long. Their wingspans will be long compared to their body size and their beaks will be short.

    • 5

      Use a bird field guide for the area to look at pictures of native birds to compare the bird to. Rule out other possibilities such as finches or sparrows by comparing the bird's shape and coloring. Check to see that wild canaries are present in the region you are visiting.

    • 6

      Examine the coloration of the bird. Wild canaries will have a duller look than domesticated canaries, and will not be as bright yellow or peach. Look for shades of brown, dark yellow and green, as well dark streaks along the back.

    • 7

      Look at the surrounding environment to determine if it is one that would support a canary. These birds live in habitats that are relatively open and have plenty of space between trees. They prefer meadow areas, and nest in either trees or low bushes. If the surroundings are in dense woods or in a place void of nesting spaces, a wild canary will not be living there.

    • 8

      Listen to the vocalizations of the bird. While wild canaries do not have songs as complex as domesticated canaries, they will still sing often and will have a trilling quality to the song.