Definition of pukeko
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
