Indonesia (isle of Sumatra)
Sumatroid
The first Sumatra been introduced to the West have been imported by a US breeder called J.Butters from Boston and were shipped from Angers Point in Sumatra (Indonesia). Some people see the Sumatra as a pure exhibition fowl but behind its elegant appearance a true piece of gamefowl is hidden. The first Sumatra imported into the States were crossed with local "American Game" strains. The offspring of these crosses were very succesful. They proved to be very accurate, quick and aggresive. The locals from Sumatra trapped these birds during mating season a time of extreme aggresion and fighting spirit. After the end off the season the birds were released. Some of these wild Sumatra specimins stalked some local "chicks". This breed shows features of a pheasant. Due the long tail, its character and the growth of double or triple spurs some scientists strongly believe that they are close relatives of the pheasant family. After the introduction of the first Sumatra's into England under the name of "Malay pheasants" the breed more and more was used for exhibition purpose. The Sumatra is a fairly good layer and sitter. They are very active and alert and make often use of their wingpower taking of vertically to avoid danger. Large pens are essential to keep and accomodate them. Typical physical features: a rather small head with dark eyes, small peacomb, a long tail well developed. The shanks are black allover or olivegreen with yellow under the foot. Sometimes the birds show a dark face. Today the Sumatra is only known being all black of colour with a beetle green glossy shine on the feathers. Their weight: male 5.5 Lbs (2.5 Kg), the hen 4.4 Lbs (2.0 Kg). Today the Sumatra is not being used anymore as active pitfowl. However in Northern France where the sport is legal, the Sumatra has been used again as cross fowl with fair results. It is not unthinkable that the game character completly has been lost during the years of extensive breeding for exhibition purposes. Proper breeding and selection must can give an answer to this question.)
"The Field" magazine (UK), data from an article written by Capt.E.Duckworth (1906)