Birds have their peculiarities. Whether due to their behavior or physical characteristics, birds attract a lot of attention, perhaps because they are not mammals and do not resemble humans at all. There are birds with extraordinary behaviors, such as the murmur of sneezes, which coordinate their flight to form “a giant bird.” Some birds stand out for their bright colors, which give them an almost unreal appearance. But there is also the diametrically opposite case: a kind of black chicken that lives up to its name, that is entirely black due to a lack of color.
Ayam Cemani, the black chicken
This chicken is colloquially known as black chicken or Ayam Cemani. The latter comes from Indonesian, which literally translates as “Chicken of Cemani.” It is a rare species that lives in Indonesia since it is a pure breed of that Asian nation. It originated from Java Island and is probably the most amazing bird in appearance. Both its plumage, skin, legs, and, in general, the external appearance is black. Yet, it is so dark that it does not settle for lacking color on the outside, but also its organs, meat, muscles, and bones are black. How is this possible?
The black color is the result of a genetic mutation known as fibromelanosis. The body of these beautifully strange birds produces approximately ten times more melanin than a regular chicken does. Melanin is the substance in charge of giving color to hair, eyelashes, and skin. It also has amazing chemical properties that keep us safe from harmful ultraviolet radiation. In other words, the pigment of the skin, hair, eyebrows, and other regions of the body works as a photoprotector against the sun’s rays.
More melanin than normal
There are cases where genetic mutations cause zero or partially low melanin production. Such is the case of albinism and leucism, which are conditions that have been observed in both animals and humans. However, the black chicken is the complete opposite of these conditions. Its body produces so much melanin that pigmentation runs through all of its components, giving it an out-of-this-world appearance.
The Ayam Cemani’s feathers glow in dark iridescent colors, ranging from green to purple. In addition, its meat, internal organs, and muscles also have this dark touch that makes it so unique. The beak, claws, and crest are not far behind since they give it an imposing air. In addition to this, the bird is very strong because its thick muscles give it a lot of speed. Even the eggs of the black chicken hens are also dark, although they have a creamy touch.
When it comes to nature, anything is possible. There will always be a living being that will amaze us, even if we think we have already seen it all.
Text and photos courtesy of Ecoosfera
Translated by Gaby Flores