History Sicilian Buttercup

gallus turcicus, ornithologiae tomus alter of ulisse aldrovandi (1522–1605)

the siciliana breed of sicily appears derive ancient inter-breeding of local birds north african stock such rose-combed berbera breed or tripolitana described tucci. these birds may have been similar gallus turcicus described ulisse aldrovandi in 1600. similar chickens depicted in 16th-century paintings in vatican museums , galleria borghese in rome, , in florence , paris.

in 1863 or 1877, cephas dawes of dedham, massachusetts, captain of frutiere, loading oranges in sicily , bought number of chickens provide meat on homeward journey. of these continued lay during voyage, , kept eggs instead. of them later sold 1 c. carroll loring, of dedham, became first breeder of become sicilian buttercup. american buttercups, however, descend later shipment of hatchlings, in 1892.

a breeders association, american buttercup club, formed united states in 1912, , 1914 had 600 members; similar association formed in britain in 1913. sicilian buttercup included in standard of perfection of american poultry association in 1918. listed threatened american livestock conservancy , on rare , native breeds list of british rare breeds survival trust.