Cayuga

The Cayuga is an American domestic duck breed associated with New York, especially the Finger Lakes region and Cayuga Lake. It is a medium to heavy duck with glossy black plumage that shows a green beetle-like sheen in good condition, along with dark bills and feet in well-colored birds. Cayugas were used historically for meat and eggs before white commercial ducks became dominant, and hens may lay eggs that start the season dark gray, charcoal, or almost black before fading lighter.

Cayugas are practical for small farms, conservation flocks, and backyard keepers who want a quieter, hardy duck with strong visual character. They still need the normal duck essentials: predator-proof night shelter, clean water for head washing, dry resting areas, and feed that supports both growth and laying. Dark pinfeathers can make dressed birds less marketable than white ducks in some settings, but the breed remains useful as a dual-purpose bird. Breeders usually select for sound size, dark bills, rich green sheen, and reduced white feathering as birds age, while keeping fertility and temperament in mind.

Colors: Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Blue, Buff, Chocolate, Fawn, Gray, Magpie, Mallard, Metallic Black with Green Sheen, Penciled, Pied, Runner Pattern, Silver, White