Pukeko information report.

 Hey guys! This is an information repost on the native NZ Pukeko. This information repost will tell you everything about pukekos. Enjoy!

Pukeko Information Report.

Classification

Pukeko’s are a native NZ bird with distinctive blazing red & blue feathers. They can grow up to 51cm big and have a standard lifespan of 3 - 6 years. The longest lifespan of a Pukeko in NZ is 9 years.

Habitat

The Pukeko lives throughout NZ, but are quite common by rivers, streams or swamps, close by to open grassy areas like fields or pastures.

Diet

The Pukeko is mostly vegetarian, but also eat invertebrates, eggs, small frogs, chicks and mammals, especially in the Pukeko’s breeding season where chicks are fed protein-rich animals.

Reproduction

The normal Pukeko usually lays 4 - 6 eggs, but can lay up to 18 eggs! They started mating in August, through to March the next year. The Pukeko has a highly variable mating system. When multiple breeding female Pukeko all lay their eggs in the same nest, it is a phenomenon called “Joint laying.”

Special Features.

Since the Pukeko is a bird, it has a few things that are special about it like, it can fly, though when running from predators, it would prefer to hide, but would fly if it was in danger. The pukeko also has a beak, great for feeding her young and catching food as well for itself.

Appearance

The Pukeko is very noticeable with its bright red beak and legs, blazing blub feathers, white feathers underneath their tail and a black head and upperparts. They are easy to spot for their predators, which makes it harder to stay alive in the wild.

Behaviour

The Pukeko is territorial when approached by other animals or bird colonies, but apart from that, they’re completely docile and friendly to approach amongst and watch.