Redcap
History & heritage

Follow the story behind the name.

The Redcap’s history centers on Derbyshire and the Pennine area of England. Its substantial rose comb and reputation as a useful egg-producing farm bird contributed to its distinctive identity.

Redcaps were useful English egg birds in the nineteenth century but lost popularity as more refined exhibition and commercial breeds spread. They were widespread in America before 1870 and entered the American standard in 1888.

The large rose comb, with a rear-pointing leader, gives the breed its name. Red-and-black feathering carries dark spangles, while slate-colored legs and white skin complete its identity. White egg shells occur despite red earlobes, showing that simple earlobe rules have exceptions.

The Conservancy's reference profile describes medium to large eggs with white shells. These descriptions help compare the population's traditional farm role; actual performance also depends on age, breeding line and management.