Pet bird help needed...

[galenwbritt]

Just wondering if there are many "bird-folk" here on the forum to give me a bit of help. I have always loved the sounds of a mockingbird but since I am not the Prez, I doubt I could keep one of those. Presidential Animals

Anyway, I have been doing some research in the last week or so and have come down to one in particular. I am wanting something with a beautiful song but also attractive in coloration. The only one I have found so far is the American Singer Canary. Granted there are a lot of birds out there who are more striking in appearance, but these have morphs available other than just the standard "yellow" of the older days. I was also hoping for something a bit bigger in stature but for now this is the top choice located. I do know through studying that the male is far more outgoing in song than the female on most occasions.

I found the actual canary registry and looked over some of the breeders in and around the states. There only seem to be 3 in Texas and the majority of all breeders do not ship. We have a bird show coming up in 3 weeks and another different one towards the last of August, both within 30 minutes of my location. I think that would be my best bet (just like corns) to be able to see the actual specimen first hand.

My question though is this: does anybody know of another species of pet bird that would fit the category of what I am looking for? Beauty in both looks and sound.

Thanks for any/all help.

G (will need an ark soon)