Hobbies And Interests
Pine Forests
One of the first places to look for wild canaries in their native habitat is the pine forests. A canary pair, and there are an estimated 10,000 to 100,000 pairs in the wild, will build a nest in the branches of evergreen trees. Their nests are never less than a dozen feet from the ground, to keep predators from reaching the eggs or chicks.
Mountains
Part of the reason why canaries can be found in pine forests is because they also live in mountainous regions. A quick look at topography will show that the Azores, Canary Islands and Madeira are volcanic islands. Soil becomes fertile with past or present volcanic activity. Forests have developed over most canary habitats, though they have been discovered in and around sand dunes as well.
Orchards
Trees are a requirement for canaries as well as humans. Once the settlers on these islands planted orchards for their own uses, the canaries moved in. Orchard trees are generally short enough for human purposes, and yet tall enough for the birds. For a species that prefers to nest no less than 10 to 12 feet above the ground, an orchard seems perfect. Fruits, insects, seeds, sprouts and relative safety are all that a wild canary needs to flourish.
Man-Made Parks
Because of human encroachment, wild animals either leave the area or adapt. The canary is no different. Man-made parks have low bushes and trees. Canaries can live off what humans leave behind, including seeds, vegetables, greens and protein. Predators in parks are fairly limited as well, which is ideal for canaries to raise their chicks.