Story: Estuaries

Pūkeko with hatchling

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.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10028831
Photograph 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, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4622/pukeko-with-hatchling (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006