# How Long Do Canarys Live?

> Canary lifespan is typically 7–12 years in captivity; similar in the wild. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Domesticated).

- **Species:** Canary (*Serinus canaria*)
- **Conservation status:** Domesticated
- **Diet:** Herbivore — seeds, greens, and egg food during breeding
- **Habitat:** Domestic cages and aviaries; wild on Atlantic islands
- **Lifespan:** 7–12 years in captivity; similar in the wild
- **Top speed:** Active flier in aviaries; wild birds migrate locally
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/canary/how-long-do-canary-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/canary/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

Canaries are domesticated songbirds descended from wild Atlantic canaries of the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. Bred for centuries for colour and song, they weigh 15–25 g (0.5–0.9 oz) and are kept in millions of households — while wild populations on their native islands remain Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Domestication for song

Spanish and European breeders selected canaries for song quality from the 1500s onward, producing roller, timbrado, and American singer varieties with distinct melodies. Male canaries sing to defend territory and attract mates — hens chirp but typically do not produce elaborate song.

## Help protect the Canary

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/canary/how-long-do-canary-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.