It is one of several breeds of long-crowing chicken prized for the clarity and unusual length of their crows.

The crow of Ayam Ketawa cocks has an unusual similarity to a human laugh.

The breed was originally held as a status symbol of the Buginese royal family, but has entered into higher popularity in recent times since the fall of the monarchy.

[1] Today it is still seen as a symbol of courage, social status and heroism[2][3] and they compete in contests for the most perfect crow, for the Governor of Sulawesi Cup.

[5] Breeders have various names for types of Ayam Ketawa based on the length and frequency of their crows and "laughs", such as dangdut (slow), gretek (fast), slow, and disco.