Lizard Canary

Looks how to spot one

feathers

A pattern canary whose back is covered in neat rows of dark crescent-shaped spangles and whose breast carries dark lines called rowings, giving a scaly, reptile-like look. The top of the head carries a patch of clear feathers called the cap. After the first moult the dark flight feathers gain paler, greyish tips.132

Personality what they are like

A pattern canary valued for its markings rather than song or shape; it is kept and shown much like other canaries.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs space to fly between perches like other canaries.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Preens and bathes itself. Exhibition birds in Britain are colour fed to deepen their golden bronze or warm buff tones.32

Home where they are happiest

Canaries exercise by flying, so choose a cage that is long and wide enough for short flights between perches, or an aviary. Place it away from draughts, windows and strong direct sun, and clean the floor of the cage regularly.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A canary seed mix with greens, fruit and vegetables.4

Company who they like around

Can share an aviary with other canaries outside the breeding season.2

The story where it all began

The Lizard is the oldest canary breed still kept, largely unchanged since the 1700s, and it was first shown in London in the 1790s. After the Second World War only a few hundred birds were left, and the Lizard Canary Association was set up in 1945 to save it. Today more Lizards are kept and shown than at any earlier time.132

Recognised by the official bits

Lizard Canary Association (Great Britain)

Founded in 1945 to protect and promote the breed3