Common Name: Australasian Swamphen
Scientific Name: Porphyrio melanotus
The Australasian Swamphen, known as the pūkeko in New Zealand, commands attention with its vivid plumage and dynamic presence. Formerly grouped with the Purple Swamphen, it has established its own identity within the swamphen family. In New Zealand, the pūkeko is cherished as an iconic figure of local wildlife.
Description
The Australasian Swamphen presents a brilliant palette of colors. Its black upper parts are set off by a vivid purple throat and breast. Typically, this bird measures between 35 to 45 cm in length.
Subspecies display notable variation. The New Zealand pūkeko and Tasmanian populations share similar size and plumage, while the Palau subspecies shows a greenish tint on its upperparts. The Western Australian variant boasts a cerulean blue throat and breast, adding to the bird’s colourful diversity. Each subspecies reflects subtle differences in size and colour, influenced by its unique habitat.
Habitat
The Australasian Swamphen thrives from eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific Islands. It inhabits wetlands, swamps, and artificial ponds, where it forages and nests.
In Australia, this bird is commonly found in the northern and eastern regions. In New Zealand, it frequents swamps and marshes, while on the Pacific Islands, it adapts to various wetland environments. These habitats offer abundant food and suitable nesting sites, supporting the swamphen across its extensive range.
Diet
The Australasian Swamphen exhibits a diverse diet, reflecting its adaptability as an omnivore. In wetland habitats, it forages for a variety of aquatic plants and seeds, supplementing its diet with insects, worms, and small fish. Its unique foraging method involves using its long legs and pointed beak to probe mud and shallow waters.
Dietary preferences shift depending on the region. In New Zealand, the Swamphen leans more towards plant material, while in Australia, it includes a broader assortment of insects and small creatures in its diet.
Behaviour
Australasian Swamphens display fascinating social behaviours, often seen in groups ranging from 3 to 12 individuals. These birds are territorial, vigorously defending their nests from threats such as the Australasian Harrier. In the face of danger, they emit loud calls to alert others and may abandon their nests if they cannot repel the intruder.
During breeding seasons, their courtship includes elaborate displays. Nests are built in dense vegetation, with multiple females sometimes laying eggs in a single nest. Their vocalisations vary from sharp shrieks to gentle coos, aiding communication within their social groups. They regularly search for food along roadsides, driven by their constant curiosity and activity.
Breeding
In New Zealand, pūkeko nest in dense clumps of raupō, choosing locations that are well concealed. Nesting occurs from August, marking the end of winter, to March, the start of autumn. Most eggs are laid between August and February, with a peak in spring from September to December.
New Zealand pūkeko exhibit joint-nesting behavior, with multiple females contributing eggs to a single nest. Recent studies using PCR-based genetic markers to determine sex have shown no bias in the sex ratio at hatching. Instead, variations in growth, survivorship, and dominance are linked to hatching order rather than offspring sex.
Conversational Status
The Australasian Swamphen displays varying conservation statuses across its range. Its adaptability and the expansion of artificial wetlands have generally supported the species' well-being.
However, some subspecies face significant challenges. The Palauan subspecies, P. m. pelewensis, is listed as endangered. While 2005 surveys show it remains relatively common, habitat loss and environmental changes put it at risk.
In contrast, populations in New Zealand and Australia are thriving. The bird's adaptability has allowed it to prosper despite the presence of introduced predators and environmental shifts. Conservation efforts, such as hunting protections in New Zealand and habitat management, are actively supporting these populations.
Fun Facts
The Australasian Swamphen has some pretty fascinating traits. In Polynesian culture, it's a symbol of nobility, often revered for its red beak and legs. Māori mythology even features the swamphen in stories, like how it lost its wings because it didn’t want to get its feet wet.
Remarkably, these birds can fly over long distances, which helps explain their spread to remote islands. Their ability to cover such distances demonstrates their resilience and adaptability.
Similar Species
The Australasian Swamphen shares its lineage with the Purple Swamphen, but they differ in notable ways. The Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) sports a more vibrant blue and green plumage, whereas the Australasian variety has a more subdued black and purple palette.
Subspecies of the Purple Swamphen, like the Green Swamphen (Porphyrio p. pelewensis) in Palau and the Cerulean Swamphen (Porphyrio p. bellus) in Western Australia, vary in size and coloration. For instance, the Green Swamphen has greener upperparts and a smaller build, while the Cerulean variety boasts a bright blue throat.
In terms of distribution, the Australasian Swamphen covers a broad range across eastern Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, whereas the Purple Swamphen's subspecies are more regionally confined.
