8o ] Birds of Farm and Zoo 



at close range many phases which are common to both domesticated 

 and wild birds. A canary begins to molt about the middle of July 

 and continues to exchange old feathers for new until the end of 

 summer. If the bird starts losing its feathers after this normal molt, 

 the chances are that it is being subjected to cold drafts or to 

 extreme variations of heat and cold. 



Where Canaries Come From: Originally canaries came from the 

 Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. (The islands in turn 

 get their name from the Latin word canis "dog" because of an 

 unusual breed of large dogs.) But the islands stopped exporting 

 the birds many years ago, and canaries are bred extensively in 

 America and Europe. The wild canary's upper plumage is olive 

 green; its breast is golden yellow. 



Singing and Sex Differences: The canary's popularity is based on 

 song rather than looks. There are many variations in voice quality 

 and type of song, with the "roller" canary rated as the outstanding 

 songster of the canary family. A first-rate roller sings from ten to 

 fourteen different notes in connected or "rolling" phrases, per- 

 forming with his beak closed. The general style of singing is 

 inherited, but the breeder trains the young males to establish their 

 song properly by exposing them to the influence of a tutor bird 

 for about three months. 



Male canaries are the leading singers; but this is not necessarily 

 a guide to the sex of an individual bird, as some females also sing. 

 An experienced breeder verifies a bird's sex by holding the canary 

 in his hand and gently feeling its abdomen. The casual observer 

 can be guided by these points: The male is usually slightly larger 

 than the female; its head is somewhat larger; the eye is not only 

 larger, but bolder as well; and the male's call is louder and more 

 musical. 



PARROTS MASTERS OF MIMICRY 



The parrot has a very special appeal for us because of its 

 talking ability, which bridges the gap in a way between "dumb" 

 animals and humans. 



Children are often disappointed when they realize that instead 



