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.

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.

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.

Popularly regarded as brainless kamikazes lacking all road sense, pukeko are confounding scientists with their complex, flexible social lives. And, while other native birds struggle to survive environmental changes, pukeko seem to take everything in their strutting stride.

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.

2024年3月4日 · The Pūkeko is a large, rail-like bird with vibrant plumage and a distinct appearance. It has a deep blue body, a black head, and a red bill and frontal shield. The legs and feet are long and sturdy, adapted for walking and wading in wetland habitats.

2014年12月16日 · Pukeko Facts present the detail information about a unique animal named from the Maori language. Pukeko is the common name of the purple sawmphen that you can find in New Zealand. But you can also call it Porphyrio porphyrio. Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus is the subspecies of Pukeko. Find out more facts about Pukeko in the following post:

The pukeko, a swamp hen related to the weka, moves primarily by walking and swimming; though it can fly, it does so only with great effort. Some birds, such as saddlebacks, are peculiar to New Zealand, but many others (e.g., tuis, fantails, and bellbirds) are closely…

2023年7月12日 · Pūkekos (along with Purple Swamphens in Tasmania) are possibly slightly larger than mainland Australian birds, but are otherwise identical. When threatened they will often walk away from danger rather than fly. When they fly, take-offs and landings are clumsy, and short flight distances are preferred..

Birds have transported themselves from Australia to New Guinea and New Zealand and throughout the islands of the south-west Pacific. It has been suggested that the New Zealand population of Purple Swamphens (locally called the Pukeko) originated in Australia.