pukeko

noun

pu·​ke·​ko

püˈkā(ˌ)kō

variants or less commonly pukeka

-ākə

plural pukeko or pukekos also pukekas

: a purple swamphen of a subspecies (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus) of New Zealand, Australia, and adjacent islands

The species is usually found in swamps, bogs, or drains, but New Zealand pukeko are also commonly seen in open pastures adjacent to wetlands

—Ian Jamieson and John L. Craig, Natural History, July 1993

Word History

Etymology

Maori

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