Scotch Fancy Canary
IntermediateSerinus canaria 'Japan Hoso'
A Japanese posture canary with an extremely slender body that forms a crescent when seen side-on at the perch. Fixed from the Scotch Fancy, it is kept small, at no more than 11.5 cm.
The Japan Hoso is a posture (type) canary bred in Japan from the domesticated canary (Serinus canaria). It is said to have been fixed in Japan from Scotch Fancy canaries imported around 1895, and has an extremely slender body that forms a crescent when the bird is seen side-on at the perch. European breed accounts describe it as having a posture similar to the Scots Fancy and being no larger than 11.5 cm. Size is the key to telling them apart: the Scotch Fancy, which strikes the same crescent pose, measures at least 17 cm, while the Hoso is far smaller. Plumage may be yellow, white, variegated and so on, so colour does not identify the breed. Basic care is the same as for other canaries: a seed mix with greens, and egg food in the breeding season. In Japan it turns up occasionally with specialist bird shops and fanciers, sometimes including red-factor birds. Keeping the posture and slimness depends on careful line breeding, so it is best to buy from a breeder whose parent birds you can see.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japan Hoso Canary lives 7-12 years.
The Japan Hoso Canary grows to No more than 11.5 cm.
Origin
Japan (developed from Scotch Fancy canaries imported in the Meiji era)
Lifespan
7-12 years
Size
No more than 11.5 cm
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
A breed of the domesticated canary (Serinus canaria). The canary is not listed in the CITES Appendices and is not covered by Japan's species conservation or invasive species laws, so no permit or notification is needed to keep or transfer it in Japan.
Sources: CITES Appendices
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Canary seed mix, greens, egg food when breeding, grit and cuttlefish bone
Place the cage somewhere bright but out of direct sun and draughts, with perches of a height and thickness that show off the posture.
A breed kept for display and breeding rather than as a hand-tame pet.
Males sing like other canaries, though the breed is not bred for song; the volume is low enough for flats.
Feed a seed mix with daily greens, add egg food in the breeding and moulting seasons, and always provide a calcium source.
The slim build and crescent posture are kept by line breeding, and colour does not identify the breed, so check size and the parent birds.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Japan Hoso Canary is 7-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japan Hoso Canary typically reaches No more than 11.5 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japan Hoso Canary feeds on: Canary seed mix, greens, egg food when breeding, grit and cuttlefish bone. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japan Hoso Canary varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
