Canary Birds & Birds of the Canary Islands Explained
The Canary Islands are not just beaches and volcanoes. They are also home to unique bird species, famous songbirds, and some of the best birdwatching spots in Europe.
This guide explains what birds you can see in the Canary Islands, where to spot them, and why the famous canary bird is so special.
🐤 What Is a Canary Bird?
Stránka canary bird is one of the most famous songbirds in the world. Its scientific name is Serinus canaria, and yes, the bird is named after the Canary Islands, not the other way around. Originally, wild canaries were greenish-brown finches. Thanks to selective breeding since the 17th century, today’s canaries are often yellow, orange, red, or white.
- Average size: about 13 cm
- Lifespan: 9–10 years (up to 15 with good care)
- Known for: strong singing and social behavior
What Birds Can You See in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a hotspot for bird life. You can see endemic birds, migratory species, seabirds, and desert-adapted birds, depending on the island.
Common birds you may spot:
- Canary bird
- Berthelot’s pipit
- Blue chaffinch (very rare)
- Hoopoe
- Kestrel
- Osprey
- Shearwaters
- Stone-curlew
Many visitors are surprised by how easy it is to spot birds, even without binoculars.
📍 Where to Go Birdwatching in the Canary Islands
You don’t need to be a professional birdwatcher. Nature parks, quiet coastlines, and rural areas are often enough.
Tenerife – Bird Watching
- Vidiecky Park Anaga
- Národný Park Teide
- Barrancos and pine forests
Gran Canaria – Bird Watching
- Tamadaba Natural Park
- Fataga ravines
- Mountain areas inland
Fuerteventura – Bird Watching
- Open plains and semi-desert areas
- Coastal cliffs for seabirds
Lanzarote – Bird Watching
- Timanfaya surroundings
- La Graciosa island
La Palma – Bird Watching
- Caldera de Taburiente
- Forest areas in the north
La Gomera – Bird Watching
- Garajonay National Park
El Hierro – Bird Watching
- Remote cliffs and coastal paths
- Quiet inland valleys
Canary Birds & the Coal Mines
From the early 1900s, canary birds were used in coal mines as an early warning system. Because they are very sensitive to toxic gases, miners knew danger was near if the bird stopped singing.
This is where the famous phrase “canary in a coal mine”
comes from.
Why Birds Matter in the Canary Islands
Birds play an important role in the Canary Islands ecosystem. They help control insects, spread seeds, and keep nature balanced across the islands. Many species are protected, so always observe from a distance and respect local rules.
Bird Watching Tours in the Canary Islands
People often ask us if there are birdwatching tours in the Canary Islands. The short answer: there are no regular public birdwatching tours we work with. Birdwatching here is a very niche hobby, and most specialised tours only run occasionally or sell out fast when they do exist.
That said, there is a great alternative.
At Club Canary, we offer private island tours on all Canary Islands. If birdwatching is your main interest, you can simply mention this in the booking notes. Your private driver or guide can then adjust the route and spend extra time in nature areas, viewpoints, ravines, and coastal zones where birdlife is most active. This way, you still enjoy a relaxed island experience while focusing on birdwatching, without being limited to a fixed group or schedule. It’s flexible, private, and often a better option than a classic birdwatching tour.
Want to explore nature beyond birds? Discover more hidden spots, viewpoints, and outdoor experiences with Club Canary. Tell us below which island you are visiting (or planning to visit) and sign up for our welcome emails. We share helpful local ideas, nature tips, and inspiration designed to get you excited for your holiday.
Live Legendary.
Zaregistrujte sa a získajte špeciálne úspory a odborné tipy na najlepšie dobrodružstvá na ostrove, ktoré vám budú doručené priamo do schránky.