Introduction: Canary is a small songbird belonging to the finch family, originating from the Macaronesia Islands (The Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands).

A canary is the first pet bird many people own, and many of these owners become lifelong canary enthusiasts. This little finch is a very pleasant companion bird whose cheerfulness is communicated with a melodious song that is much softer and more pleasant than that of many larger birds. The canary has been carefully bred to be available in a variety of colours and sizes, and even song variations are available. Canaries are inexpensive birds that can be purchased at just about any pet store. This undemanding little charmer is an excellent starter bird for beginners.

Pet canaries are generally bred for colours, for different shapes and sizes, for their unique song patterns.

Canaries enjoy the visual company of people, but this is not a bird that likes to be handled in the way that budgies and parrots enjoy it. The canary is a relatively solitary bird, though it does well in an aviary environment with other small birds. Do not house two male canaries together in a single cage, as they will likely fight. This bird will do fine when housed alone in a cage.

Canaries are often purchased for their singing abilities, but be aware that it is only the males that have notably melodious songs. Remember that canaries do not sing at all during the molt.

Cage: A single canary will do fine in a cage that is roughly 20 inches wide and 24 inches long. These birds need to fly about, so if possible, give them a cage that is longer than it is wide to provide the flying space they need. Bars should be spaced fairly close together (no more than 1/2 inch) to prevent the bird from getting its head trapped. Wire cages will be easier to clean than wood cages. 

A pet canary should never have its wings clipped since it needs to fly for exercise.

Types: The most commonly kept Canary birds are the American Singer, the Border Fancy, and the Red Factor. The American Singer is a song Canary (well known for singing), the Border Fancy is a type Canary (a popular type), and the Red Factor is a colour Canary (well known for colour–the redder, the more valuable).

The canaries are known as quiet birds and they are able to live in an apartment with you.

They also need lesser of your time than most of the other birds. They live up to 20 years.

Food: Canaries are herbivores, or plant eaters. Their diet is mostly made up of seeds, like those that can be found in the grass, and they'll eat vegetables in captivity as well. If you bring a canary home, you can add small amounts of fruits to their diet, too. Don't forget the vitamins and supplements to make sure your canary has a well-rounded diet.

Predators: In the wild, canaries have a variety of bird and reptile predators. Larger birds, like falcons or crows, will prey on these small birds. Snakes that are larger in size, such as pythons or tree snakes, will also feed on them. Canaries that are kept in captivity aren't always free from danger. Owners who place the birds in cages and hang them outside for fresh air may potentially subject the birds to predators when they're left alone.