

Primary School Science Conservation 2020 Award
Date posted: 18-Dec-2020
Dylan Lewis Y7 from Mahurangi College, Warkworth, being presented with the ..
Supporters of Tiritiri Inc and Fullers 360 Science Conservation 2020 Award
Date posted: 18-Dec-2020
The NIWA Auckland City Science and Technology Fair winner of the Supporters of Tiritiri ..
2020 Conservation Week
Date posted: 12-Aug-2020
Meet the Takahē on Tiritiri Matangi Island
When: 1:30 pm, ..
AGM 2020
Date posted: 25-Jul-2020
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE TO WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2020 due to Covid restrictions at t..
Ferry Resuming July 4th!
Date posted: 01-Jun-2020
Great News!!!
We have confirmation Fuller360 ferry service to Tiritiri Matangi wi..
The 2020 Photo Competition Winners
Date posted: 22-May-2020
Here are the winning and commended photos from this year's competition. Congratulations to the photo..
Celebrate the Takahe Art Competition
Date posted: 08-Apr-2020
Hi Tiri Kids,
It’s TakahÄ“ Awareness Month!
Everyone loves our takah..
COVID-19 Important Information
Date posted: 25-Mar-2020
The government has announced that New Zealand is now at alert level 2 for COVID-19. Th..
2019 Winner Primary School Supporters of Tiritiri and Fullers 360 Science Award is Ethan Raymond
Date posted: 11-Mar-2020
Ethan has helped the Enviro-Warriors in many ways such as planning, gard..
2019 Winner Y8-Y13 NIWA Supporters of Tiritiri and Fullers 360 Science Award is Abby Haezelwood
Date posted: 11-Mar-2020
Abby Haezelwood with her winning Science Exhibit on Plastic Beaches at the NIWA Taihoro Nuk..
Pukeko
Scientific name: |
Porphyrio melanotus |
Maori Name: |
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Conservation status: |
Native. Not threatened |
Mainland status: |
Widespread |
Size: |
51cm, 1050g (males) 850g (females) |
Lifespan: |
3-6 yrs. Oldest recorded in NZ 9 years |
Breeding: |
August - March |
Diet: |
Invertebrates, vegetation, frogs, small birds and eggs |
The pukeko is deep blue with a black head and upperparts. The white undertail is flicked with every step. The bill and shield are scarlet, the eye red and the legs and feet are orange – red.
Breeding is mainly between August and March. Nests are built on a tussock or rush clump, with the grass or rushes being beaten down into a platform. Territories are often occupied by groups and two or more females may lay in the same nest. The incubation of 23 – 27 days is shared by all. Each female lays 4 – 6 buff eggs with brown blotches at the larger end. All birds, including non–breeding helpers ( offspring from previous broods) help feed and care for the chicks.
The call is a loud unmusical screech and also a subdued musical ‘tuk – tuk’. Pukeko mainly feed on swamp and pasture vegetation. Also insects, spiders, frogs, small birds and eggs. Shoots are held in the foot like a parrot and stripped or macerated by the powerful bill.
Learn more about pukeko at New Zealand Birds Online.
Photography by: Peter Craw © (top and bottom right) and Dr Kerry Rodgers © (left)
References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.