The Cayuga has other characteristics compatible with derivation from the Mallard; in particular, it shows the typical curled "drake feather" in the tail, while Anas rubripes does not.

[11]: 439 [12]: 411 [13] In the second half of the nineteenth century it became the principal duck breed reared for meat in the United States,[8]: 70  but from about 1890 was rapidly displaced by the American Pekin.

[11]: 440 [12]: 412  The plumage is black with iridescent beetle-green lights; particularly in ducks, some feathers may fade or whiten as the bird ages, which can be a disqualifying fault for showing.

In the second half of the nineteenth century it became the principal duck breed reared for meat in the United States.

[8]: 70  From about 1890 it began to be displaced by the American Pekin, which did not have the black pinfeathers of the Cayuga and so was easier to pluck and clean for sale.