Opera divas… canaries and beautiful amadinas

French composer Olivier Messiaen, inspired by the birds’ singing, devoted many of his compositions to these creatures, making birds’ trills and roulades an element of his musical style. “In birds’ singing there are no errors in rhythm, melody, and counterpoint,” said maestro. “Their singing is very musical and the closest to us…”

Exhibition of songbirds and ornamental birds also took place in the exhibition hall of the House of Nature. Birds are singing in different voices. Curly canary in a halo of golden feathers is doing her best loudly whistling the melody of magic beauty, resembling an opera diva. The young man standing next to the cage with the bird answers the questions of the visitors who wonder why the cages are so small. It turns out that the birds stay in spacious enclosures while at home and these small cages are used only for exhibitions. Consultant Yaroslav Nyzenko, student ornithologist, member of the club of songbirds and ornamental birds lovers at the Kyiv House of Nature, has been fascinated with the world of birds since he was a kid and now he has amadinas, canaries, and other birds living in his apartment.

“These birds have even temper, attractive appearance, interesting behavior, and their singing is very beautiful,” said Yaroslav NYZENKO. “It is exciting to watch Gouldian Finches during courtship: the male takes a straw in its beak and performs a long beautiful dance in front of a female showing that he is ready to make a nest with her. By the way, Gouldian Finches were first discovered in Australia by British biologist John Gould in the mid-19th century. He was struck by their beauty and named this species in honor of his beloved wife.”

Indeed, those who see the amadinas once remember them for the rest of their lives. The breast is bluish-purple, the belly is golden-orange, neck is black, while the back and the wings are green, the back of the head, a thin strip under the throat, and tail feathers are blue, and the beak is white and red.

The visitors also enjoyed the sight of Japanese, zebra, and red-headed amadinas, star finch, fire weaver, parrots, lovebirds, cockatiel, graceful diamond dove, energetic finch, goldfinch, and bullfinch. Outstanding African Gray parrot, according to ornithologists, has the intellect of a five-year-old child, consciously speaks with humans and answers questions. Many canaries are presented at the exhibition: songbirds, ornamental birds, and colorful birds. These birds, native to the Canary Islands, were brought to Europe in the 16th century and in 500 years they have become one of the humans’ most favorite pets.

Lidia Khyzhniak, secretary of the club of songbirds and ornamental birds lovers said: “Our exhibitions are held four times a year, the next one will be held in September. Every time we try to present new species, special birds, we give tours for school students. Once a year we organize an all-Ukrainian competition of canaries’ singing for the best solo singing (in December, when the birds are most active in singing). The birds are trained: they have to sing not whatever they want, but a special set of motifs in a certain order. The event takes place in a closed room in complete silence, and everyone holds their breath waiting for a bird to sing.

“Our club is a community of people who are in love with the birds – not everyone is a professional, there are also many amateurs. We are willing to share our knowledge. It is good for families with kids to keep birds as pets. Birds can be a nice alternative to computer games – a wonderful pastime and kids will learn to appreciate the things we all are deprived of in big cities. I am a mother of two children and I know how important it is that at home my two boys see a piece of real nature. Besides, any pet teaches children responsibility, because a bird is a tiny creature that is totally dependent on your effort, attention, and love.”