It is the only chicken breed with official recognition from the Asociación Nacional de Avicultura, the Cuban national poultry association.

It derives from Sumatra and Malay birds brought to Cuba from the Philippines,[1] and was bred as a triple-purpose breed, for meat, eggs and cock-fighting.

[2] In the middle 19th century, the Spaniards brought to Havana, Cuba, several varieties of Asiatic game fowl that originated in the Philippine Islands.

These birds were then selectively bred for wide, extended tails and a curving beak, fierce eyes, and a courageous expression.

Cubalayas are characterized by their stately carriage; pea comb; abundant, flowing hackle feathers and long, well-spread tail carried about 20 degrees below the horizontal.