Cage & Aviary Birds Magazine

14 January, 2026

Of all the world’s songbirds, the pittas are arguably the most vividly attractive and have long been prized in aviculture. We take a leisurely look at the three species of banded pitta (arguably the best of the best!) and find out what it takes to keep and breed these gems successfully. (Preview tip: stop them attacking each other!) In the non-songbird world it’s the hornbills that probably win the “most exotic” prize and many of us would love to keep them… which is unlikely for most, but just in case, we learn what it takes from the professionals. Less exotically, we learn which greenfood to feed our canaries and review the Border canary show season; with further contributions on softbills, parrots, judging – and birds’ legs!