North Island Saddleback

Tīeke is a glossy black endemic wattlebird with a chestnut saddle across its back and orange-red wattles beside the bill. The chestnut back panel, upright tail and bright wattles are unmistakable; South Island tīeke adults have a similar pattern but juveniles pass through a distinct dark ‘jackbird’ stage.

After surviving on Hen Island, it has been restored to islands and fenced sites including Tiritiri Matangi, Kāpiti and Zealandia. Tīeke probe bark and leaf litter for wētā, beetles and larvae and also take fruit and nectar; pairs nest in cavities.

North Island saddleback is At Risk — Relict (NZ Threat Classification). Rats and stoats eliminate populations rapidly, so every site depends on predator exclusion. Tiritiri Matangi, Kāpiti Island and Zealandia provide accessible viewing.