The Australasian swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) is a species of swamphen (Porphyrio) occurring in eastern Indonesia (the Moluccas, Aru and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, it is known as the pukeko (from the
Māori pūkeko
).
What is the scientific name for pukeko?
The New Zealand native Pukeko (
Porphyrio melanotus
) is a large, blue-purplish, wetland-dwelling bird. Pukeko are held in rueful affection by New Zealanders, with a reputation as a friendly, cheeky bird, they are very territorial. They are often nicknamed “swamp hen”, “pook” or to some hunters, the “blue pheasant”.
Are Pukekos native?
The pūkeko is probably one of the most recognised native birds in
New Zealand
with its distinctive colourings and habit of feeding on the ground. … The subspecies found in New Zealand (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus) is thought to have landed here around a thousand years ago from Australia.
Does Australia have Pukekos?
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 as purple swamphens.
How did pukeko get to New Zealand?
He says some birds that are deemed to be native, for example pukeko and harrier hawks, have no fossil trace before Polynesian settler arrived in NZ. “It's likely that pukeko flew here from Australia after
Polynesian settlement
and the clearance of a lot of our lowland forests, making all this nice open pukeko habitat.
Are pukeko a pest?
In some areas, pukeko are
considered an agricultural or garden pest
, as they will pull-up and eat planted vegetables and crops. … While pukeko will occasionally attack, kill and eat offspring of other bird species, they are not considered a regular predator.
What is a pukeko called in Australia?
| Australasian swamphen | Family: Rallidae | Genus: Porphyrio | Species: P. melanotus | Binomial name |
|---|
Is it legal to eat Pukeko?
WILD FOOD SURPRISE: Though popular in the bird fraternity, the pukeko is a pest in some areas, and
eating them is not illegal
. … If you fancy a taste of pukeko swamp hen, known to many Kiwis for its often-fatal motorway incursions, head to the Wild Foods Festival in Hokitika next month.
Where are Pukeko found?
Pukeko are found
throughout New Zealand
, although less common in drier regions. They are typically found near sheltered fresh or brackish water (e.g. vegetated swamps, streams or lagoons), especially adjacent to open grassy areas and pastures.
What does the word Pukeko mean?
:
a purple swamphen of a subspecies (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus) of New Zealand, Australia, and adjacent islands
The species is usually found in swamps, bogs, or drains, but New Zealand pukeko are also commonly seen in open pastures adjacent to wetlands— Ian Jamieson and John L.
Do Pukekos eat ducklings?
Diet: The most common food sources are
shoots, leaves, stems and seeds of a variety of grasses
, though it also eats other animals – it is not uncommon for pukekos to catch and eat ducklings. … The throat, head and breast on a pukeko are a deep violet/blue, while the back and wings are black.
Are takahe native to NZ?
The takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri), also known as the South Island takahē or notornis, is a
flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand
, and the largest living member of the rail family.
Is it legal to shoot plovers in NZ?
The Department of Conservation said the spur-winged plover was not protected under the wildlife act and
it was not illegal to shoot them
.
What Birds Can you shoot in New Zealand?
Permits and licences are needed to hunt New Zealand game birds. Waterfowl, including paradise shelduck, mallard, grey and shoveler duck and black swan can be hunted in DOC managed areas.
Upland game such as pheasant and quail
can also be hunted.
What bird is native to New Zealand?
The kiwi
is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem.
