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 Canaries are one of the most beautiful birds around. Originating from the Canary
Islands (which owes them its name); these small birds can be found both in the
wild as well as in almost every pet and bird shop nearby.
They came to Europe by the help of Spanish sailors at the start of the 17th
century. The Europeans quickly noticed that the male canary bird is the one that
sings (unlike the mute female), and as such started breeding them and selling
the males. But quickly, European nations (especially the Italians) managed to
allow a larger breeding to occur and these birds started being noticed in many
households in the continent.
This cute bird is very small in size, with a length ranging
generally between 4.7 inches (12cm) and 5.5 inches (14 cm). Their wings are on
average 8.3 inches (21 cm) long. Canaries can be found in different vivid
colors, such as the bright yellow, light green, dark green, orange and
grey.
 The canary
bird can be categorized under different types. First of all there is what people
used to refer to as 'Miners' Canaries'. This name was attributed to these
canaries that were used by coal miners as a detecting system for unwanted and
hazardous gazes. They used to take them down the mines and watch their behavior
to determine if there is any air intoxication.
There are also the 'climate canaries' because they are very sensitive to any
sudden climate change, which would alert the owner that something abnormal is
going to happen.
Finally, there are the singing canaries, often kept as pet inside households.
Though most male canaries actually sing, the term is often used to refer to
these canaries that are kept inside cages for their beauty and sweet melodies.
It is important to note that singing canaries do not just make random sounds, but
rather they have their very own song patterns that no other birds can match. They are
often sub classified as 'American singers', 'Persian singers', 'Russian
ringers', 'Spanish Timbrados', 'Waterslagers' and 'Rollers'.
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