I first saw a pukeko during a trip to Australia. There it is known as a purple swamp hen. Here in New Zealand, it is most commonly known by its Maori name, pukeko.

Pukeko live mainly in the grasslands and can often be seen scratching in the grass on the side of the road. They are instantly visible with their bright blue plumage and red beaks. When frightened, they turn and flash their white tail feathers before scurrying off. Whilst they do fly, more often they will simply take off running when disturbed. I always think of them as NZ's equivalent of a road runner, albeit a road runner that can fly when absolutely necessary.

Every year, we have at least one nesting pair in our front garden (long grass and a pond) and my children look forward to seeing the baby pukeko running along behind their parents.

Unlike the tui, however, pukeko are not welcome additions to most people's gardens, as they tend to scratch and pull up prized garden plants. I don't mind them myself.