1. Any of various small aquatic birds of the genus Gallinula distinguished from rails by a frontal shield and a resemblance to domestic hens
   "The common pukeko can often be seen swimming in ponds and marshes";
   - gallinule, marsh hen, water hen, swamphen

Derived forms: pukekos

Type of: aquatic bird

Part of: Gallinula, genus Gallinula

Encyclopedia: Pukeko