This breed takes its name from Lake Cayuga in New York State, and is thought to be descended from the wild black duck (Anas rubripes). The Cayuga was recorded in North America between 1830 and 1850. It was first standardised in America in 1874 and in Britain in 1901. Its colour is very similar to the smaller Black East Indian: black plumage with brilliant green iridescence. The drakes tend to retain their black plumage but the females develop patches of white as they get older.