The Australasian swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus), commonly known as the pūkeko in New Zealand, is a striking and socially complex bird found in Oceania, including eastern Indonesia (the Moluccas, Aru and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia.

The pūkeko is a widespread and easily recognisable bird that has benefitted greatly by the clearing of land for agriculture. In addition to its brilliant red frontal shield and deep violet breast plumage, the pūkeko is interesting for having a complex social life.

Nov 14, 2024 · The Pūkeko, also known as the Australian Swamphen is a large-footed and large-beaked bird endemic to New Zealand and parts of Australasia. Images of baby pūkekos with their disproportionally large feet became the subject of memes on the internet in the early 2020s after several edited images of the bird made the rounds on Tumblr from 2021 onward.

Pūkeko are a member of the rail family of birds. They look very similar to takahē, although takahē are much heavier. Pūkeko are about 51 centimetres long with distinctive colourings; a deep blue colour, with a black head and upperparts, white feathers under their tail, and a red bill and legs.

Jul 12, 2023 · Pūkeko is the common name, derived from the Māori language, for the Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) in New Zealand. The subspecies occurring there is Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus, which is also found elsewhere in Australasia, including, in eastern Indonesia, the Mollucas, Aru and Kai Islands, as well as in Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Pukeko are not indigenous to New Zealand, but occur across many South Pacific islands and in Australia, southern Asia, Africa, parts of Europe (Spain and Portugal, for instance), Central America and Florida. Outside of New Zealand, the birds are usually referred to …

Conspicuous blue and black waterhen with gigantic red bill and forehead shield. Has large feet and white under tail feathers which it flicks up and down when walking. Occurs in a wide variety of wetland habitats and is a common sight in urban parks.

Pukeko, a member of the rail family which includes Weka, is really quite one of the most gorgeous of our birds and does not deserve the contempt bred from familiarity. They are also called the Purple Swamp Hen or Purple Gallinule although they are not really purple at all but, for the most part, a deep almost iridescent indigo blue.

Mar 4, 2024 · Pūkeko are omnivorous birds with a diverse diet. They primarily feed on plant material, including shoots, leaves, seeds, and grasses. They also consume insects, small invertebrates, frogs, and even small fish. Pūkeko use their long beak to probe and forage for food in wetland areas and grassy habitats.

Pūkeko are very abundant and widespread, with high population densities in areas of the North Island and west coast of South Island. New Zealand’s pūkeko population was estimated to be >600,000 birds in the 1980s. Ecological and Economic Impacts. Pūkeko may be hunted under license in New Zealand.