Pooks are sociable, living in permanent groups of around 12 birds controlled by an intricate social structure - based on the infamous ‘pecking order' of the bird world. Birds low in the pecking order seldom get the chance to ‘get jiggy' with a mate and end up living in the less comfortable digs (a.k.a dried up or barer bits of swamp).
Pook groups don't tend to move from their home patch except if the kai runs low or water levels change. Larger flocks can often be seen in winter as several groups band together.
According to Otago University zoologist Ian Jamieson, you can spot the dominant bird in a flock of pooks as they will hold their head up high and fluff up their plumage. A submissive bird on the other hand, will hold their head low to the ground and expose their vulnerable tail area (the white flag of surrender!).
Research in recent years has shown some intriguing and slightly promiscuous behaviours (aspects of homosexuality, multiple partners, co-operative child-rearing and even incest!) showing pooks may have one of the most complex and highly unusual social systems of any bird in the world - both egalitarian and co-operative in nature.
