Back from extinction: or is it? The London fancy canary, last recorded 90 years ago, is back – or at least a remarkably similar breed is under development. But what makes a London fancy? With the best ever set of photos, we explain the different forms of today’s London fancy and summarise all the desired features, right down to the dark toenails. For finch fans there’s a practical guide to breeding the handsome chestnut-breasted mannikin, and of course budgies, zebbies and other regulars feature too, along with some tips on growing lovely fresh greens for your birds.

Back from extinction: or is it? The London fancy canary, last recorded 90 years ago, is back – or at least a remarkably similar breed is under development. But what makes a London fancy? With the best ever set of photos, we explain the different forms of today’s London fancy and summarise all the desired features, right down to the dark toenails....