Domestic Canaries are descendants of the wild canaries brought to Europe from the Canary Islands in the 16th Century. Originally, these wild birds were caught for and kept by royalty as songbirds in cages. Through selective breeding many distinct canary breeds have been developed. Canaries are often kept as pets, but specialist show-varieties have been developed by dedicated breeders. Modern varieties are extremely diverse and are bred for: color, form and song. Song Canaries include: Spanish Timbrado, German Roller, Belgian Waterslager, American Singer, and more. Type Canaries include: Norwich, Border, Fife, Lizard, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Gloster, and more. Colored Canaries include: Lipochrome and Melanin in Yellow Ground, White Ground and Red Factor; Dimorphics, more.