Canaries are beautiful to look at and males are known for their melodic songs. There are canaries known for their specific song type, a certain look or trait, and also color. One of the most popular colors is the Red Factor Canary. These types can be bright red to orangey, and dark red and brown.
Red factors came from a cross between a canary and type of finch called a Red Siskin. Red Siskins have a gene which allows them to process pigments from carotenoids in the foods they eat and it is distributed into their feathers, like flamingos! When crossed with the Red Siskin, it was found canaries then exhibited this gene too.
Red factors also need carotenoids in their diet to keep their bright plumage. If they are without, their feather color may dull, especially if they are going through a molt. But there are supplements like eggfood specifically for red factors, and concentrated Canthaxanthin that can be feed. To keep them colored with natural foods, feed items high in Beta-Carotene like certain greens, red peppers, sweet potatoes, squashes, tomatoes, beets, berries, cherries, and carrots.