Story: Large forest birds
Pūkeko are closely related to takahē, but are less bulky, and can fly. Pūkeko colonised New Zealand around 1,000 years ago – whereas takahē have been evolving in the country for thousands of years. Takahē are endemic to New Zealand (found nowhere else), whereas pūkeko, also known as the purple gallinule, are widespread around the world. The same subspecies occurs in eastern Australia and Tasmania – presumably where the New Zealand birds originated.
About this item
New Zealand Herald
Reference: 7 June 2004
Photograph by Greg Bowker
Permission of the New Zealand Herald must be obtained before any re-use of this image.