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In New Zealand, The Land of the Long White Cloud, we have many beautiful and unique native birds. Some of them are endangered. Most familiar to the rest of the world is our national bird, the flightless and nocturnal Kiwi after which we New Zealanders affectionately call ourselves. There is another native bird, not as internationally recognized, but certainly a national icon. Their image can be seen in many art works, as well as adorning all manner of home and garden wares and of course souvenirs.The Pukeko, also known as the Blue or Swamp Hen, is an unusual bird to say the least, best described as a cross between a Hen and a Parrot.

Unlike the Kiwi the Pukeko can fly after a fashion, but only in short spurts and never far from ground level. They fly in an extremely ungainly manner with their long gangly legs hanging limply below them. Each time they take flight, they emit an ear piercing screech alerting all in sundry they are finally airborne. This raucous call warns other Pukeko they're on their way , wisely precautionary considering their landings are notoriously clumsy.Their feet are truly prehistoric in shape and form with each long slender toe resembling the finger of that cute alien being, E.T. Like a Parrot they hold their food in one foot to eat , preferring to dunk each morsel in water prior to consumption. They produce a natural oil inside their beak which they spit on to their food before consumption. This oil is also used to moisten the grass roots and insects regurgitated for their chicks.

It's the colors of the Pukeko I find particularly attractive. Their cobalt blue and black plumage paired with scarlet red legs and beak is a sight to behold. They make an intriguing vision from behind with their fluffy white tail feathers flicking warily as they retreat. Although not officially a water fowl they prefer to reside around swamps, farm dams and ponds, hence their huge feet, which allow them to easily negotiate muddy paddocks or swampy wetlands. Sadly, as with many other wild animals and bird life, their natural environments are under threat , forcing them to take up residence in roadside drains and ditches. Consequently they are in constant danger of getting killed on the roads. Not known for their traffic skills, dead Pukeko are a common sight on our roads particularly in the mating season.

Pukeko are exceptionally family orientated, living in large groups of related birds who all muck in, helping to feed and care for the chicks. The male Pukeko

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