The Australasian swamphen, commonly known as the pūkeko in New Zealand, is a striking and socially complex bird found in Oceania, including eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia. A member of the rail family, it is part of the diverse order Gruiformes, which includes species with similar characteristics such as cranes and other rail species. Within the Australasian swamphen species, five recognised subspecies exist, with P. p. melanotus being the most common and widely distributed in New Zealand. They display phenotypic characteristics typical of rails: relatively short wings and strong, elongated bills, adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle in wetlands.
Region
Australasia and Oceania
Typical Environment
Found across much of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and parts of eastern Indonesia, it occupies freshwater and brackish wetlands, swamps, lagoons, and reedbeds. It readily uses artificial habitats such as agricultural drains, rice fields, and suburban wetlands. Birds often forage along marsh edges and adjacent pasture, moving between cover and open ground. They are strong walkers and swimmers but generally reluctant fliers, preferring to run into cover when disturbed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the pūkeko in New Zealand, the Australasian swamphen is a bold, highly social rail that thrives in wetlands and human-modified landscapes. It uses its long red toes to grasp stalks and bring food to its bill, and it often flashes its white undertail feathers as a signal during alarm or social displays. Cooperative breeding, with multiple adults helping to raise young in a group, is common in some populations. It has benefited in many areas from the creation of farm ponds, drains, and pasture edges.
Swamphen in flight. Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
Swamphen feeding grass shoots to its chick, Perth, Australia
Australasian Swamphen red frontal shield
Traffic sign in New Zealand cautioning drivers of swamphens
Temperament
social and bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Often forms stable groups that defend territories year-round. Cooperative breeding is frequent, with multiple adults incubating and feeding chicks. Nests are built in dense emergent vegetation over water, using reeds and other wetland plants.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and varied, including harsh screeches, grunts, and repeated kek-kek calls. Alarm calls are sharp and carrying, while contact calls are chattier and used to keep groups coordinated.
