I haven’t spotted any Pukeko at the Reay Mackay Grove lakes recently so was glad to see a couple at sunrise today.
Length: 38 - 50 cm; Weight: 1090 g (male); 880 g (female)
Similar species: South Island takahe |Takahē, Dusky moorhen, Black-tailed native-hen
A large relatively compact rail with deep blue-violet head, breast and throat, black back and wings, white under-tail coverts, red eyes and orange legs and feet with long slim toes. The distinctive bright red conical bill is connected to a similarly coloured ‘frontal shield’ ornament covering the forehead.
