What is a Canary?

The canary is a member of the group of birds known as finches (family fringillidae). This family is one of many found in the order known as Passeriformes or the perching birds. All of these birds have four toes, one of which is directed backwards and works in opposition to the three forward facing toes. This arrangement allows the birds to grasp branches without any effort. This is because the muscles in their "rest" position are closed and the bird has to physically flex its muscles in order to release its hold of the branch or whatever it is clinging to.

The chicks of the paserine birds all have a unique gape by which they elivit food from their parents. The inside of their mouths are often variably colored with beak edge being yellow, so as to be easily seen by the parents. Canaries are also member of the sub-order of birds called Oscines-the songbirds. In these birds, there are special throath muscles which enable them to produce a melodious song. Songs are variable and may simlpy be little "tweet", or trulymagnificent. The canary's closest relative are the serins, siskins, and such species as goldfinches and greenfinches.