The East Indie or Black East Indian is an ornamental breed of domestic duck. It is a bantam breed, and is thought to have originated in the United States.
History
The East Indie is the oldest breed of bantam duck.Шаблон:R It is thought to have originated in the United States, but its precise origin is not known.Шаблон:R It has at various times been known by other names, some of them – such as "Brazilian", "Buenos Airean", "Labrador" – suggesting a geographical origin. There is, however, no documented connection to the East Indies, to South America, or to Labrador.Шаблон:R It is thought that the breed developed from its original form in the United Kingdom in the second half of the nineteenth century, and was then further refined in the United States in the latter part of the twentieth century.Шаблон:R A hypothesis that the black color of the plumage derives from the native American species Anas rubripes appears to be unsubstantiated.Шаблон:R
The East Indie is a bantam breed, usually weighing under Шаблон:Nobreak. It has very dark, lustrous greenish-black plumage and a black bill. Ducks may sometimes develop white feathers as they age;Шаблон:R drakes that do so should not be used for breeding. It flies well unless the wings are clipped. It is generally shyer and quieter than the Call Duck.Шаблон:R
Use
The East Indie is largely kept by fanciers for exhibition or ornament. It may be helpful in pest control in gardens.Шаблон:R
