Leghorn

Leghorn is the English exonym for Livorno, a port city on the western coast of Tuscany, Italy, located on the Ligurian Sea. It is the capital of the Metropolitan City of Livorno and a major center for shipping and industry. Founded in antiquity and rebuilt in the 16th century, Livorno developed into a prominent free port under the Medici and later the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, attracting merchants and migrants from across Europe and the Mediterranean. The city’s historic center features fortifications, churches, and a multiethnic heritage reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Today Livorno remains an important commercial and passenger port with industries including logistics, shipbuilding, and tourism.

Leghorn also refers to the White Leghorn, a breed of chicken developed in Italy and named after the city. The White Leghorn became a foundational breed for modern commercial egg production because of its high laying rate and efficient feed conversion. It was introduced to the United States and other countries in the late 19th century and subsequently standardized by national poultry associations. Typical White Leghorns are light-bodied birds with white plumage and white eggs; they are usually active and prolific layers, often used in the production of layer hybrids. The breed is generally not raised for meat due to its relatively small size.