Cochins come in a variety of colours, including black, buff, blue and white, as well as "cuckoo", "partridge" and "grouse". They are characterised by their general roundess of shape and are now mainly recognisable by their fluffy legs. They were among the first show birds in the West as, before their arrival from China in 1845, birds were almost exclusively bred for the table and for their laying properties. The original birds were gingery buff in colour and they are placid birds which make good brooding hens.