Stepping out! Pukeko with a purpose!

Pukeko (swamp hen) have very large feet for walking in swampy areas. They aren't webbed although pukeko can swim. They fly rather clumsily, and can perch in a tree, although mostly they stay on the ground. They are assertive birds and fast runners when necessary.

The Pukeko is a member of the rail family, and is similar to other species found all over the world. It is one of the few New Zealand native birds to have flourished since the arrival of man, and can be found in almost any grassland area, especially in swampy locations. Groups will often be seen foraging for food in road-side areas.

With their bright blue plumage and red beaks, they easily stand out against the New Zealand greenery, particularly when their white tail feathers begin flashing in alarm.

Diet is a wide variety of swamp and pasture vegetation but also insects, frogs, small birds and eggs.

They will band together to chase off a predator.