In search of the song factor

Continuing from two weeks ago, MIKE NICHOLLS updates us on the results and possibilities generated by his crossbreeding project – particularly in its vocal aspect

- MIKE NICHOLLS

AS I have explained in my earlier articles, my original aims of breeding from fertile GSF x canary mules was to test whether it was possible to introduce into a line of canaries a grey singing finch “song factor”, rather in the same way as the “red factor” had been captured in canaries from red hooded siskin x canary hybrids.

In the red-factor canary, the perpetuation of the red colour is not solely of the possession of red siskin genes, but also an interaction of these genes with environment: in this case, the presence of the precursor chemicals (carotenes) of red pigment in the canaries’ food.

In my project, the environmental factor in question is the first song that young birds hear, maybe as nestlings and some say even when they are still in the egg. I have been therefore as careful as I could to keep the exposure to cock canary song to an absolute minimum and, instead, try to indoctrinate them with recordings of birdsong – of GSF, linnet and skylark – that I personally find most pleasing.

So far, the results have been rather disappointing. None of the cock hybrids I’ve produced to date has come to match the enthusiastic, powerful song of pure GSF cocks. Of the two third-generation hybrid cocks produced from Scrappy and a Raza canary cock – despite my effort to dispose of the canary as soon as was practical – one still managed to learn the song of his father. The other, although it has a nice finch song without abrasive canary “brrrrrs”, is nevertheless a shy bird and rarely sings to entertain me. What I would like is an extrovert that pours out an uplifting finch or lark-like song.