Abstract
The Venezuelan Black-hooded Red Siskin has been in demand for more than half a century, perhaps even more so today than when it was crossed with a canary to produce a red factor canary. Furthermore, every red factor color breeder throughout the entire world has or would like to have one or more Venezuelan Blackhooded Red Siskins . In fact, the demand for this species is greater than any other species of birds amongst color breeders. During my extensive travels throughout the world where I visited hundreds of bird fanciers including color breeders, I noticed that every color breeder I visited either had some Venezuelan Black-hooded Red Siskins or they were inquiring as to where and how they could acquire some. Recalling from memory, many years ago I visited a highly reputable and successful red factor breeder in Argentina (I still remember his name, Mr. Iannuzzelli). I also wrote an article detailing that visit. The first thing that he asked me when I entered his birdroom was, ''I would love to get a Red Siskin .... even a first or second cross would help me. I heard that in America many of these birds are plentiful. Can you help me?" My answer to him was, '' Mr. Iannuzzelli, you have such good deep red factor canaries- why would you want a Red Siskin to improve the color of them?" He answered, " I was told if I introduced a Red Siskin into my red factor canaries' blood line I would get a deeper and better red color." If I remember correctly, I told Mr. Iannuzzelli, "I don't think that the Red Siskin would in any way improve your red canaries. It would probably take many many years and I doubt very much if you would achieve any better results." Nevertheless, the Red Siskin is still in great demand today.