Cage and Aviary Birds #6442 28th October 2026

On the cover, the harlequin, which we suggest is the most handsome canary breed we’ve got. In that case, why isn’t it more widely bred? Leading canary man Andy Early investigates that and other questions about this superb variety, which is Portuguese in origin. In his article are included both the pictorial and written standard, as well as some mouth-watering photos that prove beyond question what a stunner this bird can be. And there’s lots of stunning stuff this week: for one thing, the first half of this year’s Avian Draw, featuring 46 fantastic prizes, with the other half following next week. Bengalese from Tony Edwards and glorious goosanders in our waterfowl column will stun, too. And elsewhere we talk colour budgies, Stafford (the view of a teenage first-timer), crested mutations from budgies to Bengies (again) – plus our regular columns from the North-East and South-East, and all the hobby-related news. Finally we pay tribute to the late zebra finch legend Jim Addison, a wonderful servant of the fancy.