Tour of Hobsonville House Bed and Breakfast : -

• Hobsonville House HomePage.
• Auckland, New Zealand.
• Where are we.
• Who are we.

• Kete Room.
• Toi Toi Room.
• Pipi Room.
• Jandal Room.

• Breakfast.
• Dinner by arrangement.
• Our Passions.
• Local Restaurants.
• Local Wineries.
• Things to do locally.
• Further afield.
• Room Rates.
• Make a Booking.
• Contact us

__________ RETURN TO HOMEPAGE

What is a Pukeko ?

The Pukeko (Porphyrio porphyry) or New Zealand Puple Swamp Hen is the most common species of the rail family in NZ (another being the Takahe which is an endangered species).

Pukeko's are regarded as striking, mischievous birds with legs and feet seemingly disproportionate to their bodies. For New Zealand, they are colorful birds, their plumage is mainly indigo blue with black head and wings, the latter with a greenish gloss. The feathers beneath the tail are white. If annoyed, Pukekos twitch their tail making their white feathers stand out. A Pukeko's Bill, legs, and feet are scarlet and the eyes red colored. With their bright blue plumage and red beaks, they stand out against the NZ countryside, especially when their white tail feathers begin flicking in distress.

Similar species to the Pukeko occur in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Eastern Indonesia and there are differences of opinion in regard how they became established in New Zealand, with some views being that they spread from Australia about 1,000 years ago, prior to humans arriving, while others believe that it may have been introduced by the Maori. Both are beset with issues as the Pukeko is not renowned as a long distant flyer, while the Maori arrived from the Pacific. However, all fossil remains have been found in sites 400 years old or younger.

It is one of the few New Zealand native birds to have thrived since the arrival of man, and can be found in almost any grassland area, especially in swampy locations. Pukekos dwell in swamps, along lake shores, and in poorly drained pastures throughout New Zealand Groups will often be seen foraging for food in road-side areas (Roadkill is a major cause of death). They appear to be able to hold their own in an environment that now contains introduced predators such as cats, rodents. They live in groups of 3–12 individuals and are known to group together and shriek loudly to defend nests successfully during attacks.

While appearing clumsy in becoming airborne, Pukeko's are actually powerful flyers and are also swift runners. Although their enormous feet are not webbed, Pukekos are good swimmers. Their usual call is a piercing squawk.

Their diet includes aquatic vegetation, grasses, clover, berries, and seeds. Animals are also eaten, including insects, worms, fish (eels) and sometimes, very young birds and birds' eggs. They are known to damage vegetable gardens, and crops. These habits, and those of eating wild ducks' eggs and their young, make them unpopular amongst New Zealanders living close to their habitat.

Pukeko were sometimes eaten by Maori but were considered not great food as they are sinewy and tough. A old joke regarding cooking Pukeko is to boil for 3 days with a pair of old boots, drain well and remove laces prior to eating.

Pukeko are known for their bold scheming and determination. They are well represented in Maori stories and legends. In particular, they were known to raid gardens for kūmara (sweet potato) and taro. As a consequence stubborn, annoying people were often compared to the bird. They are known to steal eggs from each other and this illustrates of their nature and character.

__________ RETURN TO HOMEPAGE