South Island Saddleback

Tīeke is a black-and-chestnut South Island wattlebird restored from a tiny remnant population through island translocations. Adults have a chestnut saddle and red-orange wattles; juveniles are entirely dark ‘jackbirds’, unlike North Island juveniles, which resemble adults.

It survives on predator-free islands around Rakiura/Stewart Island and Fiordland after rescue from Big South Cape Island. Birds hop strongly through low vegetation and probe bark, rotten wood and litter for large insects, also eating fruit and nectar.

South Island saddleback is At Risk — Recovering (NZ Threat Classification). Rat invasion is the greatest threat to island populations. Ulva Island and selected islands around Rakiura offer the best public opportunities.