- Serinus canaria
Identification
Location: Madeira
The Canary (Serinus canaria) sometimes called the Island Canary, Wild Canary or Atlantic Canary, is a small bird in the finch family. It is 12.5-13.5 cm long, with a wingspan of 20-23 cm and a weight of 15-20 g. It is yellow-green, with brownish streaking on its back. It is about 10% larger, longer and less contrasted than its relative the Serin, and has more grey and brown in its plumage and relatively shorter wings. The song is a silvery twittering like the Goldfinch. The bird was named after the Canary Islands, not the other way around. The origins of the name "Canary" are in dispute but may be derived from the Latin canaria, "of the dogs", referring to the numerous dogs kept by the inhabitants of the islands.
Distribution
This bird is native to the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Its habitat is semi-open areas such as orchards and copses
Behaviour
It nests in bushes or trees, from sea level up to 1,500 m altitude.
The population is considered stable, with the following totals:
Azores: 30,000-60,000 pairs. Canary Islands: 80,000-90,000 pairs. Madeira: 4,000-5,000 pairs.
