Australorp

Developed in Australia from Black Orpington stock imported from England in the early 20th century, with Australian breeders selecting heavily for egg production over the ornamental qualities that had become dominant in British Orpingtons. The result is a practical, productive bird that retains the Orpington's calm temperament while dramatically improving laying performance. In 1922–23, a pen of six Australorp hens laid 1,857 eggs over 365 days — an average of 309.5 eggs per hen per year that broke all world records. The national bird of Australia.