How Many Chicken Species Are There? A Closer Look at Chicken Biodiversity

Chickens are one of the most ubiquitous domesticated animals in the world, providing humans with meat, eggs, feathers, and companionship But just how many different types of chickens are out there? The diversity of chicken species and breeds is truly astonishing

Defining Chicken Species

To understand chicken biodiversity, we first need to define what constitutes a unique chicken “species.” There are a few ways to categorize chickens:

• Species – The domestic chicken is one species, Gallus gallus domesticus. All chickens, from Leghorns to Silkies, belong to this species which descended from the red junglefowl.

• Breeds – Distinct breeds are populations within the same species that have relatively uniform physical characteristics developed through selective breeding. There are hundreds of recognized chicken breeds.

• Varieties – Some breeds have further variations in features like plumage color. For example, the Plymouth Rock breed has 9 color varieties.

• Hybrids – Hybrid chickens are first generation crosses between pure breeds. They are common in industrial poultry farming

So to tally up all the “species” we are really looking at unique chicken breeds and distinct hybrid crosses.

The Astounding Number of Chicken Breeds

No single entity tracks all existing chicken breeds globally. However, various organizations maintain lists of standardized breeds they recognize within their scope. Some key numbers on recognized chicken breeds include:

• 53 large chicken breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association
• 120 breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association when including bantams
• Over 500 chicken breeds documented worldwide by the Food and Agriculture Organization
• 180+ breeds profiled by the British Poultry Standard

These organizations tend to focus on Western breeds. Expanding our view, over 800 breeds have been identified in China alone.

Clearly, hundreds of chicken breeds exist globally. New breeds are also constantly being developed. But the total number is elusive given the lack of a single authority tracking all chicken biodiversity.

Major Types of Chicken Breeds

Chicken breeds are grouped into major categories based on their primary uses and physical traits:

• Egg-laying – Lean, productive breeds like Leghorns used for commercial egg farming.

• Meat-producing – Stocky broiler breeds like Cornish Crosses raised specifically for meat.

• Dual-purpose – Versatile breeds that produce both meat and eggs, like Plymouth Rocks.

• Exhibition – Breeds with unique looks raised for showing, like Silkies.

• Bantams – Miniature ornamental breeds and mini versions of standard breeds.

• Hybrids – Highly productive first generation crosses like Black Sex Links.

So chicken biodiversity encompasses a wide spectrum ranging from commercial broilers to fluffy Polish breeds bred just for their looks.

Significant Regional Differences

The distribution of chicken breeds is far from uniform globally. Each region has distinct native breeds adapted to local environments, cultural uses, and aesthetic preferences:

• Asia – Continent of chicken domestication. Diverse breeds like Aseel from India, Onagadori from Japan, and Ayam Cemani from Indonesia.

• Europe – Cold-hardy breeds from Scandinavia, Mediterranean breeds like Sicily’s Buttercup, and ornamental breeds like Poland.

• Africa – Unique breeds include frizzled Fulani of West Africa and dwarf Kadaknath of India.

• Americas – European breeds imported and new breeds like Dominiques, Plymouth Rocks, and Orpingtons created from them.

• Australia – Mostly European imports plus native Australorps and Araucanas.

Clearly, no region has a monopoly on chicken biodiversity. The global distribution remains uneven but dynamic as breeds continue to be shared and new variations develop locally.

Conserving Chicken Biodiversity

Many chicken breeds, especially locally adapted heritage breeds, are endangered today as industrial agriculture and urbanization expand. Organizations like the Livestock Conservancy work to conserve rare breeds by researching their genetics, promoting their use, and helping breeders share stock.

Conscientious poultry keepers can help protect chicken biodiversity by choosing rare and heritage breeds to keep backyard flocks genetically diverse and unique. Learning to appreciate the small differences that distinguish one breed from another fosters a deeper understanding of the wonderful diversity chickens have to offer.

So while we may never have an exact count, the hundreds of chicken breeds around the world are a testament to the ingenuity of the human and natural forces that shaped the helpful hen into such a diverse creature. From the majestic Cochin to the scrappy Japanese Bantam, all have a role to play in history and a story to tell.

The ISA Brown chicken breed is known for laying the most eggs, with some individuals reaching 350 eggs per year. These hybrid chickens are popular for backyard farming due to their high egg production and docile nature.