Lizard Canary
Birds in Focus...
Even though this pretty little bird is one of the oldest varieties it has had a rather rocky history. They almost became extinct in the early 1900's. With two world wars and disease epidemics, the Lizard Canary was reduced to only a couple dozen breeding pairs by the mid 1940's. With the help of the Lizard Canary Association of Great Britain and a closely monitored "come-back" breeding program, today this canary thrives and is one of most popular Type canaries available.
A "type canary", is bred for physical trait or shape rather than color or song. The Lizard Canary is bred for the spangled effect of its feathers, a result of a gene that restricts the tendency of melanin in the plumage. This spangling effect diminishes with each annual molt however, so a Lizard is best shown in its first year.
The Lizard Canary originated in France in the 1700's. Though never extremely popular in Europe they were in no danger of disappearing, until the 1900's. Severely threatened with the advent of two world wars along with disease epidemics, their numbers were reduced to about only 40 birds. In 1945 the Lizard Canary Association of Great Britain was formed with the intent of re-establishing these birds, serious breeders selling birds only to other serious breeders. Today the Lizard Canary thrives and is one of most popular "type canaries" available.
The Lizard Canary reaches about 5 1/2 inches (14 cm) in length. The characteristic scale pattern of the Lizard, known as 'spangling, is the most important aspect of these birds for show. Spangling consists of a series of black crescent-shaped spots running in even uniform rows down their backs.
Besides their characteristic feather pattern, the Lizard Canary is distinguished by a yellow 'cap' of color on its head. The cap is also very important for show. A nice oval full-cap starts at the beak and extends to the base of the head. A broken-cap is irregularly interspersed with dark feathers and if there is a predominance of dark feathers it is referred to as a non-cap.
These birds are available with either a ground color of yellow known as a 'gold', a ground of buff known as a 'silver', or with a red ground.
The Lizard Canary is a very free breeder. Most canaries breed easily and readily if provided with quality food, lighting, secure surroundings, and conditioning.
Breeders will normally breed a full-cap Lizard Canary to a broken-cap.
Lizard Canaries are fairly available. They are most often available through breeders, but may also occasionally be found through bird shows, bird clubs, and on the internet.
Authors: Clarice Brough, CAS and Denise Taormina
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/canaries/LizardCanary.php