Common Swamps and Mangroves

Pukeko

Porphyrio melanotusPurple

The Pukeko is a bold wetland rail with deep blue-purple plumage, a red bill, and long legs made for swampy ground. In New Zealand it is common around marshes, rushes, lagoons, pastures, and roadside wetlands, where it walks, runs, wades, and swims more confidently than it flies. Mostly plant-eating but opportunistic, it also takes invertebrates, eggs, frogs, small fish, and other small prey. Social groups can share nests, defend territories, and raise chicks cooperatively.