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 wetlandsIan Jamieson and John L. Craig, Natural History, July 1993

Word History

Etymology

Maori

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Cite this Entry

“Pukeko.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pukeko. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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