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Story: Estuaries

Pūkeko with hatchling

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Pūkeko with hatchling

The pūkeko or swamp hen (Porphyrio melanotus) is a common resident of the rushlands that border estuaries and associated waterways. Found throughout New Zealand, pūkeko graze on swamp vegetation and nearby pastures, as well as eating insects, eggs and ducklings.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10028831

by M. F. Soper

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How to cite this page

Maggy Wassilieff, Estuaries – The estuary ecosystem, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4622/pukeko-with-hatchling (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 2 March 2009.