Background

The canary (Serinus canaria domestica) is the principal model species maintained in this facility for research on vocal learning and song behavior. Canaries are seasonally breeding songbirds whose singing behavior is strongly influenced by hormonal and environmental cues. They are notable for their capacity for adult song plasticity, making them an excellent model for investigating the neural and endocrine regulation of learned vocal communication. 

Canaries are relatively solitary and territorial, particularly males during the breeding season, and are therefore housed individually or in visual isolation to prevent aggression and to allow for controlled song recording. 

Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), which form lifelong monogamous pair bonds and stable social hierarchies, are maintained on a smaller scale for comparative research. Unlike canaries, zebra finches are gregarious and non-seasonal breeders, singing throughout the year and providing a complementary model for developmental song learning. 

The bird facility, located in the ground level of Arison building includes: 

• Four housing rooms 

• kitchen 

• washing room 

Two rooms contain walk-in aviaries, and two rooms contain shelved cages for housing individual or small groups.