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Pukeko

Pukeko

Porphyrio melanotus

Other common names for this well-known bird belonging to the widespread rail family are Pook and Old Swampie.
Porphyrio melanotus, a large bird with bold colouring, loud voice and personality to match, is perhaps the most conspicuous of the birds at Mangemangeroa, whether on the paddocks or on top of the forest canopy. Plumage in colours ranging from black to purplish blue is set off by the heavy scarlet bill and frontal plate, and strong pink legs. When walking the bird defiantly flicks its tail to display the brilliant white coverts underneath.
If you cannot see pukeko you can nearly always hear its penetrating squawks or other calls of varying pitch and tone, all evidence of vigorous communication that goes with a strong sense of community. This communal spirit is particularly evident during nesting, which extends over a long season starting in August, and helps to explain the remarkable success of pukeko in not only surviving in the face of a host of predators, but increasing its numbers wherever open damp ground is bounded by some natural cover. Chicks hatching from clutches of up to seven on a nest built usually on ground near water are well guarded by both parents and the colony's vigilantes.
Diet is wide-ranging, including grass and other vegetation, insects, aquatic life and even small ducklings. A favourite pastime is pulling out newly planted seedlings on bush restoration sites.
G. Falla