1. Egg stage:
- Female pukekos lay their eggs in a well-concealed nest, usually built on the ground or in dense vegetation.
- The eggs are incubated by both parents for approximately 25-28 days.
2. Chick Stage (Nestling or Hatchling):
- Upon hatching, the chicks, also called keets, are completely dependent on their parents for food and protection.
- They are covered in dark, downy feathers and have relatively weak legs and wings.
- Chicks stay with their parents and siblings in the nest for the first few weeks, where they are constantly brooded and fed by their parents.
3. Juvenile stage:
- After several weeks, the chicks leave the nest and start exploring the surrounding area with their parents.
- Their feathers begin to develop, allowing them to fly short distances.
- Juvenile pukekos continue to be cared for and protected by their parents while they learn to feed themselves and fend for themselves.
4. Adult Stage:
- Pukekos reach sexual maturity at around one year old.
- They develop vibrant blue-purple plumage, a distinctive red beak, and prominent red legs.
- Adult pukekos are highly territorial and live in pairs or small groups.
- They become independent of their parents and start establishing their own territories and finding mates.
5. Breeding and Reproduction:
- Pukekos form long-term breeding pairs and defend their territories aggressively.
- Breeding season typically occurs during spring and summer.
- Females construct a well-hidden nest, where they lay and incubate their eggs, similar to the earlier stages of their life cycle.
6. Longevity:
- Pukekos in the wild have a relatively long lifespan, with some individuals living up to 20 years.
- Their lifespan is influenced by various factors such as predators, food availability, and environmental conditions.
It's important to note that certain aspects of a pukeko's life cycle may vary slightly depending on their specific sub-species and geographical location.