Details
Serinus canaria
The Atlantic canary is a small diurnal finch native to Atlantic islands. It forms loose groups in forest edges and grasslands and feeds on plant material.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses woodland edges, scrub, grassland, and farmland margins. Trees and shrubs provide nesting and rest, while open areas provide food.
Wingspan is about 20-23 cm and weight about 15-25 g. A small body, short conical bill, and yellow-green to brownish plumage are typical.
Diurnal birds often move in loose groups outside breeding season. Song from perches helps signal territory and presence.
It is herbivorous, eating grass seeds, buds, leaves, and fruit. The bill handles small seeds efficiently.
A small cup nest is built in shrubs or trees. Parents feed chicks softened seeds and other plant foods.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic canary and adapts well to open island habitats.
