Anconas are beautiful black chickens mottled with white tips. The breed is from the Mediterranean Class, originating from the area around Ancona, Italy. They were introduced to the United States from England in the late 1800s. 

Anconas are excellent white egg layers, generally non-setters, are heat tolerant and have a good disposition. They are about the same size, to a little heavier, than Leghorns. They are a quick and alert breed, and their dark color and active temperament make them a good breed to raise where hawks, owls, and other animal predators are a problem because they do not show up like lighter colored breeds. 

Ancona day-old baby chicks are very bright and snappy looking with half and half patches of black and white patches.