Sicilian Buttercup
A rare heritage breed with a royal comb and rich history
8/22/20253 min read
🌸 Sicilian Buttercup: The “Flowerbird” of the Chicken World
With their golden buff plumage, delicate black spangling, and a crown-shaped comb that looks like a flower blossom, the Sicilian Buttercup is one of the most distinctive and eye-catching heritage chicken breeds. Known affectionately as the “Flowerbird”, this Mediterranean breed is prized for its beauty, active personality, and history stretching back to the farms of Sicily.
📜 A Brief History
The origins of the Sicilian Buttercup are not precisely documented, but the breed is believed to have developed in Sicily, Italy, where farmers bred chickens with a unique cup-shaped comb and green legs for centuries.
The first mention in the U.S. dates back to an 1835 importation, though the first well-documented arrival was in 1860, when C. Carroll Loring of Massachusetts received birds from his neighbor, Captain Dawes. Loring bred and promoted the birds for nearly 50 years, and all modern stock is believed to trace back to another important importation in 1892.
By the early 1900s, promoters like J.S. Dumaresq and L.B. Audigier helped popularize the breed, and a Buttercup Club formed in 1912 with over 300 members. The American Poultry Association recognized the breed in 1918. However, its popularity declined when it became clear that the breed was only average in egg production, and breeders disagreed about the “correct” color pattern.
While its fame faded in the U.S., the breed found admirers in England during the 1920s before declining there too. Today, the Sicilian Buttercup is valued less for utility and more for its heritage and ornamental qualities.
📌 Breed Snapshot
Status: Rare Heritage Breed
Use: Eggs, ornamental, foraging
Egg Production: 140–180 per year
Egg Size & Color: Medium to small; white
Weight: Roosters 6.5 lbs. / Hens 5 lbs.
Temperament: Active, curious, varies by strain (can be docile or flighty)
Appearance: Golden buff hens with black spangles; reddish-orange roosters with black tail; unique cup-shaped comb
🐓 Why Choose a Sicilian Buttercup?
🌸 Unique Beauty
The Buttercup’s defining feature is its crown-shaped comb, formed by two single combs joined together. On the best specimens, the comb forms a perfect flower-like cup. Combined with their golden feathers, willow-green legs, and white earlobes, these birds stand out in any flock.
🌞 Hot-Weather Specialists
Originating in Sicily, Buttercups thrive in warm climates. They do not tolerate cold weather well, making them ideal for southern regions or Mediterranean-like environments.
🏡 Free-Range Enthusiasts
These chickens hate confinement and do best when allowed to forage and roam. They are excellent diggers, scratchers, and compost workers.
🥚 Steady Layers
While not top-tier producers, hens lay a reliable 140–180 small to medium white eggs per year, making them a steady contributor to a diverse flock.
🛠️ Care Considerations
Not Cold-Hardy – They need shelter and extra care in chilly climates.
Require Space – Buttercups do poorly in confinement; a large run or free-range setup is essential.
Temperament Varies – Some strains are friendly and docile, while others can be flighty or semi-wild. Early handling helps create calmer birds.
Noise Level – Chatty and active, though not especially loud in volume.
🧬 Appearance at a Glance
Feature Description:
Comb Cup-shaped “crown” with evenly spaced points (resembles a flower)
Roosters Rich reddish-orange with lustrous green-black tail
Hens Golden buff with black spangles in neat rows
Eyes Reddish bay
Beak Light horn color
Legs/Toes Willow-green shanks, yellow soles
Skin Yellow
Earlobes White (red in England)
Fun fact: Some hens grow spurs on their legs, like other Mediterranean breeds.
🧡 Heritage & Conservation
The Sicilian Buttercup remains a rare breed and is considered a heritage chicken. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their unique genetics, ornamental beauty, and Mediterranean adaptation. While no longer a commercial choice, the breed thrives with dedicated breeders, homesteaders, and enthusiasts who value diversity in poultry.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The Sicilian Buttercup is not the chicken for every backyard — they need space, warmth, and patience — but for those who can meet their needs, they reward with elegance, character, and history. With their flower-shaped comb and striking plumage, these “Flowerbirds” add beauty and heritage value to any flock.
Did You Know?
The Sicilian Buttercup’s unusual cup-shaped comb is so distinctive that many other breeds with unusual combs are still compared back to it. Imperfect Buttercup combs can even look like a pair of antlers!