Pūkeko
With its purpleish blue body and fab orange legs, the pūkeko has become a kiwiana icon, even though it’s actually an import, dropping in from Australia about a thousand years ago. If you’ve seen pūkeko fly across a small ditch you’ll wonder how on earth they made it over the big one.
Awkward in the air but elegant on the feet, pūkeko are at their best wading, running and having a laugh in big social groups. Similar to the endangered takahē, pūkeko is the swamphen that got a zillion times luckier. Cool up your garden with this sensational bird.
Crafted in New Zealand and designed to last a lifetime outdoors, it’s a gift that embraces the classic Kiwi Summer!
Our Pūkeko is:
✓ Kiwiana-lover – 21 cm H × 31 cm W, approx. 300 g
✓ Perfect for posting – Fits our standard A4 gift box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)
✓ Fast, fuss-free shipping – Same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Made in New Zealand – Locally crafted in a family-owned workshop
✓ Built to weather well – 3 mm Corten® steel develops a natural patina
✓ Easy to install – Just tap the stake with a hammer on a downward angle
Style With
Pūkeko
AS SEEN IN
Most of our steel bird silhouettes are cut from 3 mm Corten weathering steel. Check the individual product for its material, thickness and manufacturing origin: wooden birds, clothing and other products have their own specifications.
Why does Corten steel change colour?
Outdoors, the steel develops a natural rust patina. Grey gives way to orange and brown tones, with the setting and weather doing their bit. The colour and timing vary. It is unpainted steel, so a permanent black finish is not part of the deal.
Where should I put it?
Choose a spot with good drainage. Rusty runoff can mark pale paving, pots and walls, particularly while the steel is weathering. Follow the mounting instructions for your particular bird or feeder.
See how patina develops · Find your bird · Installation and care help
The Patina Process:
That first flash of orange? Your steel bird is settling in. Corten weathering steel develops a natural rust patina, changing through orange and brown tones as it spends time outdoors.
How long does patina take?
There is no fixed timetable or guaranteed final colour. Rain, humidity, airflow and the position you choose all affect how the surface changes.
Will it stain nearby surfaces?
Rusty runoff can mark paving, pots and walls, especially during early weathering. Leave room around pale surfaces and choose a location where water can drain freely.
Is my bird painted black?
Corten birds are unpainted steel. Their finish changes naturally; they are not intended to stay permanently black. Check your product page for the exact material and care instructions.
Read about the material · Browse the birds · Ask us about care
what’s the word on the bird?
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