Today, I'd like to discuss a common sight around our ponds – the pukeko or Australasian Swamp Hen. These birds, with their distinctive indigo-blue plumage, red beak and white flirty tail, are a fascinating part of our local ecosystem. Still, they can also pose a challenge for those of us who cherish our duck populations.
Just last night, a gang of pukeko conducted an aerial raid of our new duckling shelter and killed 7 of the 8 ducklings. It was quite upsetting as we thought we had protected them by bringing them into a separate enclosure rather than free-ranging around the pond and being easy pickings for the pond-dwelling pukeko...
But we had not counted on the pukeko moving from the pond through the grassland and conducting an overhead attack on the ducklings in the enclosed area. Today, understandably, was spent erecting overhead protection for the one duckling that was spared (but injured).
The Pukeko: A Glimpse into Their World
Pukeko are familiar residents around estuaries and associated waterways throughout New Zealand. Their diet mainly consists of swamp vegetation and pasture, but they also consume insects, eggs, and ducklings.
In terms of their feeding habits, pūkeko are primarily vegetarian. Still, animal foods make up a small part of their diet. They feed on various plants, including grasses, sedges, rushes, clover, and bullrush. Their animal-based diet mainly includes insects, spiders, and earthworms.
According to NZ Birds Online website, there have been "rare instances of them taking larger prey such as frogs, lizards, fish, and nestling birds". In our experience on our land in Canterbury, this is not a rare instance. We have observed hundreds of ducklings being taken. The noise from the frogs on the pond has ceased, and the growing Pied Stilt population has stalled.
Understanding Pukeko Protection Status
While pukeko is a native species generally protected in New Zealand, there are certain exceptions. They can be legally hunted during the shooting season as part of wildlife management practices. This helps balance the conservation of pukeko with protecting other vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems.
Ducklings in Danger
Recent research and observations have shed light on the pūkeko's role as predators of ducklings. This is particularly concerning for endangered duck species. For instance, the Department of Conservation's efforts to protect the brown teal duck population involved culling pukeko, significantly impacting the ducklings' survival rates (NZ Herald). Additionally, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, confirms that pukeko consume ducklings as part of their varied diet.
I acknowledge that Muscovy ducks are not rare; however, it is not pleasant to see a newly hatched group of 13 ducklings being decimated by the pukekos, who are thriving and growing in numbers because we have provided such a rich food source alongside our pond!
More concerning is the disappearance of the Pied Stilts, which had appeared and bred successfully when we had established the pond. They are now not seen.
Balancing Nature in Our Gardens
As gardeners and nature lovers, we often face the challenge of balancing appreciating wildlife and protecting certain aspects of our gardens. In the case of pukeko, understanding their behaviour, dietary habits, and protection status is vital. While we can't wholly control nature, being aware of these dynamics can help us take measures to protect more vulnerable species, such as ducklings.
Concluding Thoughts
The presence of pukeko near our garden ponds reminds us of the complexity and interconnectivity of our natural world. As we continue to observe and learn about these fascinating birds, we can better appreciate their role in our ecosystem while also taking steps to safeguard the more vulnerable inhabitants of our gardens.
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In my small world at Oasis Cottage, every day is a new adventure and a chance to learn something new about the remarkable wildlife that shares our spaces. Until next time, happy gardening!
References:
- "DoC culls pukeko to save rare duck" - NZ Herald link
- "Pukeko with hatchling – Estuaries" - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand link