...as to your second question...I can't tell much from that photo as she is standing in an odd position as to her overall health and conformity...but it probably is just a large crop from a big dinner. You can see how the crop works here...
This is a really good article on the differences between an Ameraucana, Araucana and Easter Egger.
There is no Americana, btw.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/09/ameraucana-easter-egger-or-araucana.html
LofMc