Portuguese Harlequin Canary: Care Information, Temperament & Traits (With Photos)

Canary birds are generally stored, however it may be fairly a shock for some to be taught simply what number of sorts of canaries there are. The Portuguese Harlequin, a tiny chook with a subtly rounded chest and, typically, a particular, triangular-shaped crest atop their head is however one of many canary varieties.

Portuguese Harlequins have a real air of dignity about them and a really regal presence regardless of their small measurement. They’re additionally a reasonably uncommon sort of canary and might be difficult to search out. On this submit, we’ll share all there may be to learn about this elusive and particular chook.

Species Overview

Origin and Historical past

Not a lot is understood in regards to the origins of Portuguese Harlequins particularly, however canary birds originated within the Canary Islands. Within the fifteenth century, they had been exported to Spain the place they grew to become widespread pets for his or her singing talents—notably male canaries.

In accordance with legend, canaries had been first offered to Spanish sailors by a Frenchman known as Jean de Bethancourt who had a particular affinity for his or her singing abilities. It was Spanish sailors who launched the canary to Spain, however it’s unknown whether or not the Jean de Bethancourt legend is true.

They later began to make their means abroad to Italy and, finally, to varied different international locations together with Russia, Britain, Northern Europe, and Germany. By the nineteenth century, canaries had been pets in lots of households throughout Europe.

Temperament

Portuguese Harlequins are, as described by the Confedération Ornithologique Mondiale (C.O.M/O.M.J) normal, “cheerful birds with agile actions”. Canaries are usually delicate and reserved, typically preferring to be merely noticed fairly than dealt with by their house owners. Some do get used to being dealt with, although.

Canaries are additionally recognized for being unbiased and typically territorial (males specifically), so there’s no assure that two can harmoniously dwell collectively. The dominant canary could make life fairly troublesome for the extra submissive of the 2. Points arising from holding canaries collectively usually happen within the breeding season.

Speech & Vocalizations

Canary birds are pure singers, although not all are bred for singing. Sadly, there is no such thing as a data obtainable as as to if Portuguese Harlequins particularly are singing birds (it’s attainable that they’re bred for his or her coloration fairly than their singing expertise), however right here’s what we do learn about canaries that sing:

Males are extra “proficient” than females within the singing division and sing to draw mates. If a male canary is housed with a feminine, they’re much less more likely to break into music. It’s a lot much less frequent for a feminine canary to sing. A canary’s singing voice is sort of lovely and is even stress-free to some.

Along with singing, canaries additionally chirp, chatter, warble, shrill, and squeak. You’re extra more likely to hear a canary squeaking once they’re combating.

Portuguese Harlequin Canary Colours and Markings

The Portuguese Harlequin canary is a really eye-catching and distinctive little chook. The C.O.M normal describes this canary as “variegated” and “balanced”, with crimson and chalk-white lipochrome. The breed normal additionally mentions that synthetic coloring is obligatory. This most certainly refers back to the particular weight loss program fed to some canaries to boost their coloration.

You may see crimson on the top, breast, wings, and tail feathers. The wings may have crimson speckling on high of a brown base.

These birds are an actual combined bag color-wise, and, along with brown, white, and crimson, you may additionally spot yellow and/or orange tones on the feathers. This array of colours seems considerably irregular—a part of what makes this chook so distinctive and fascinating to take a look at.

Caring for the Portuguese Harlequin Canary

Many keepers and fanatics agree that canaries usually do effectively as solitary birds, so it’s not vital for them to have a companion, although some—emphasis on “some”— pairs do handle to dwell collectively and get alongside. Fast tip— some breeders promote Portuguese Harlequins in pairs, so it is likely to be attainable for them to dwell collectively. Examine with the breeder for extra data.

In accordance with Chewy, it’s extra doubtless {that a} combined group of canaries will dwell collectively extra harmoniously in the course of the winter interval than a bunch made up solely of males.

Chewy additionally mentions that some male canaries can dwell collectively harmoniously in late summer season, fall, and winter for essentially the most half, however points are likely to come up as a result of, as a rule, each canary enters the breeding part at totally different instances. Alternatively, feminine canaries are mentioned to typically dwell collectively peacefully all year long.

By way of setup, a canary wants a cage measuring at the very least 18 x 24 x 18 inches. The bars ought to have ¼ to ½-inch areas between them. The cage ought to include perches and toys and the underside of the cage needs to be coated in paper you could throw away, like newspaper.

Widespread Well being Issues

Canaries usually dwell for round 10 years, with some even residing as much as 15 years. You may improve your canary’s probability of a wholesome life by feeding an applicable weight loss program and providing appropriate housing.

That mentioned, there may be all the time the chance of sure well being circumstances, notably respiratory ailments like air sac mites and bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory tract. Adjustments within the voice, problem respiration, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Closed eyes and ruffled feathers are additionally indicators.

Weight loss program and Vitamin

Within the wild, canaries eat a whole lot of seed, however seed alone isn’t sufficient to maintain your canary wholesome, so it ought to solely be supplied as a part of their weight loss program. Along with a small portion of seeds, canaries do effectively with business canary pellets and a small portion of inexperienced greens. Appropriate greens embrace kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and lettuce, however there are lots of different prospects.

In accordance with the Portuguese Harlequin C.O.M normal, synthetic coloring is obligatory for these birds. The usual doesn’t elaborate on this, however crimson canaries are sometimes “coloration fed”, which implies they’re given coloration dietary supplements of their diets to boost their coloration. That is only a heads-up for those who’re contemplating exhibiting your Portuguese Harlequin.

Train

It’s a good suggestion to let your canary out of their cage each day to allow them to discover, alleviate stress, and finally give them a way of freedom and happiness. It’s advisable to start out slowly by merely opening the cage and letting your canary come out at their very own tempo.

Canaries might be fairly shy and may have a while earlier than they really feel assured popping out and exploring. Be certain that the room you let your canary out into is safe and freed from open home windows, cats, or something that might hurt them. You probably have hassle getting them to return again to their cage, attempt placing a particular deal with inside to lure them again.

Contained in the cage, be sure to set up perches to your canary to hop between to assist preserve them energetic when not exploring.

The place to Undertake or Purchase a Portuguese Harlequin Canary

That is the place issues get difficult as a result of Portuguese Harlequin canaries aren’t quite common. We checked out some breeder websites and solely got here throughout a couple of Portuguese Harlequins on the market, although we did discover all kinds of different canary sorts, together with crimson elements.

When you’re curious in regards to the worth vary, we discovered single Portuguese Harlequins for $169 and pairs for $250 on web sites. Alternatively, you may attempt canary adoption or rehoming social media teams or web sites to see if there are any Portuguese Harlequins obtainable.

Conclusion

The Portuguese Harlequin is a beautiful and uncommon canary that merely radiates dignity and poise. In case you are fortunate sufficient to get one, you’ll actually by no means get uninterested in these pretty birds, whether or not they’re sitting on a perch within the cage or out exploring your house. They’re not for everybody, although—particularly those that want extra “hands-on” pets.

Featured Picture Credit score: Fernando Zamora Vega, Shutterstock