Norwich Canary

The Norwich canary is an old English type canary associated with Norwich in East Anglia. It is a larger, cobby show bird with a broad body, full head, short necked appearance, and rich feathering, quite different from the slim song and posture breeds. Traditional colors include green, clear yellow, buff, cinnamon, and variegated forms, with intensive and non-intensive feather types used in breeding. The Norwich is judged mainly on shape, size, feather, and color depth rather than on song.

Because of its heavy build, the Norwich benefits from roomy housing, sturdy perches, regular bathing, and a diet that avoids making the bird fat. Breeders watch feather texture closely; overly soft or bulky feathering can contribute to feather cysts and a coarse outline. Pairing decisions often balance intensive with non-intensive birds and consider width, head quality, and vigor, not just color. Some lines need more attentive breeding management than smaller hardy canaries, so buyers should look for active birds with clean vents, clear eyes, smooth breathing, and well-kept plumage.

Colors: Blue, Cinnamon, Clear Buff, Clear Yellow, Green, Intensive, Non-Intensive, Variegated Buff, Variegated Yellow