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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pukeko, Porphyrio porphyrio, found in New Zealand Birds' bird gallery section, includes general information about the bird, taxonomy, description, where to find them and other useful and interesting information. The bird gallery links to in-depth descriptions of most New Zealand birds.

Mar 4, 2024 · Pūkeko are native to New Zealand and can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, swamps, marshes, and grasslands. They are commonly seen near water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. Pūkeko are widespread throughout the country and can also be found on some offshore islands. Pūkeko are omnivorous birds with a diverse diet.