
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Serinus canaria 'Scotch Fancy'
A Scottish posture canary that arches its back and tucks its tail under to form a near semicircular C shape. A large breed of at least 17 cm, it is the ancestor of Japan's Hoso canary.
The Scotch Fancy (Scots Fancy) is a posture canary, a breed of the domesticated canary (Serinus canaria). It was developed in Scotland in the 19th century from the Belgian Fancy and was originally called the Glasgow Don. Its defining feature is a C-shaped posture with an arched back and a tail curled under, which fanciers have selected to come as close as possible to a semicircle. It measures at least 17 cm. It differs from the Belgian Fancy, which also has a curved posture, in its narrow shoulders, narrow rounded back and curved tail. Japan's Hoso canary was fixed from this breed after its import in the Meiji era; the posture is similar but the Hoso is no more than 11.5 cm. Care is the same as for other canaries, based on a seed mix and greens with egg food in the breeding season. All curved-posture canaries probably go back to the Belgian Fancy, and this breed is a leading example. It is seldom available in Japan and only occasionally reaches specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Scotch Fancy Canary lives 7-12 years.
The Scotch Fancy Canary grows to At least 17 cm (6.75 in).
Origin
Scotland (developed from the Belgian Fancy in the 19th century)
Lifespan
7-12 years
Size
At least 17 cm (6.75 in)
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
It is large and long-tailed, so give a deeper and taller cage than for an ordinary canary, in a bright place free of draughts.
A breed kept for display and breeding rather than as a hand-tame pet.
Males sing, but the breed is not bred for song and the volume is modest.
Feed a seed mix and greens, add egg food in the breeding and moulting seasons, and keep a calcium source available.
Its posture resembles the Hoso, but this breed is much larger at 17 cm or more, so use size to tell them apart and choose lines with well-postured parents.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Scotch Fancy Canary is 7-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Scotch Fancy Canary typically reaches At least 17 cm (6.75 in) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Scotch Fancy 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 Scotch Fancy 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