The Origin and Dispersal of the Domesticated Canary

Abstract

Part of the native avifauna of Madeira and the archipelago for which it was named, the canary-bird has been domesticated only within the past 500 years. Selection in Europe was both for the richness of its song and for physical appearance, including the familiar 'canary yellow' color. The Harz Mountains of Germany became renowned for the development of fine singers while Britain and the Low Countries concentrated more on show birds of a wide range of types. Once the domain of the privileged, canary culture in time came to be dominated by people of lesser means. In the late 19th century the breeding and keeping of canaries took on mania proportions. Recently it has met competition as a parlor pet from colorful exotics such as the parrots and parakeets but as a fancy or show bird its popularity seems little diminished. It represents a clear example of animal domestication for non-utilitarian purposes.