Canary - one of the oldest breeds - is believed to have arisen as a
mutation from canaries in France during the
These lizard-like canaries almost became extinct in the
early 1900s due to the ravages of two world wars and disease epidemics. By the
mid 1940s, only about 40 of these canaries existed in Europe.
this canary species, the Lizard Canary Association of Great Britain initiated
a closely monitored breeding program. Nowadays, it is now one of the most
popular "Type Canaries". Type canaries are bred for physical trait or shape
rather than color or song. The Lizard Canary is bred specifically for the
"spangled effect" of its
The Lizard Canary
averages about 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length (including its tail)..
canary is named for its beautiful markings - the black crescent-shaped spots
running down its back and breast, which resemble the scales of a lizard. This
visual effect is known as "spangling". The Lizard Canaries gradually lose this
lizard-like pattern with each annual molt.
The Lizard Canary occurs in 4
- Gold Lizard (ground color of yellow)
- Silver Lizard (warm buff)
- Blue Lizard (white foundation)
Lizard (red foundation)
canaries have a single circular pattern of feathers on top of the head, which
ideally should be oval with clear edges, but some are irregular shaped
The caps are typically identified
- Clear cap
- Broken cap
- Non-cap -
The non cap lizards canaries should have a scale pattern from the beak to the
For exhibition purposes, the legs and the beak
should be as dark as possible. This is sometimes achieved by color-feeding
The lizard canary is allowed to be color fed to enhance their red
plumage (please see below photograph for color feeding instructions), as are
the Yorkshire and Stafford types. Hens generally carry more
breast markings than cocks and cocks color up darker than
Feeding foods rich in beta-carotene, or a supplement
of half pure beta-carotene and half pure canthaxanthin will enhance any red
coloration in the canaries' plumage. However, color feeding is really only
required when new feathers are growing in, and this usually occurs when birds
Commercially bought color supplements are available; however, they can be
harmful to the birds' health. A more natural feeding protocol that includes
fresh grated carrots and chopped broccoli (or any other fruit / vegetable rich
in beta-carotene) is equally effective and healthier. Results of the color
feedings vary - depending on how much each individual bird eats. .However, it
should make a large difference compared to not "color feeding" at all, which
will basically yield a yellow canary after the molt is completed.
Lizard Canary in Aviculture:
The Lizard Canary is a
friendly, social bird and a free breeder. As most canaries, they breed easily
and readily, if provided with quality food, lighting, secure surroundings, and
Lizard canaries tend to be good breeders. The female will
lay 3 to 6 eggs, one per day. It is best to allow a hen to have only two
clutches a year. Breeders will normally breed a full-cap / (clear cap or no
cap) Lizard Canary to a broken-cap.
Depending on location, Lizard
Canaries are available at prices ranging from $50 to $150.
Canary Care and Housing
Breeding your Canary
Species Research by Sibylle
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