Philesturnus carunculatus
The South Island Saddleback, or Tīeke in Māori, is a striking medium-sized passerine endemic to New Zealand, instantly recognizable by its glossy black plumage, a distinctive chestnut-orange 'saddle' across its back, and prominent orange wattles (fleshy lobes) at the base of its bill. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighing between 60-80 grams, both sexes share this vibrant coloration, though juveniles are duller with smaller wattles, acquiring full adult plumage arou...
Found primarily in dense, regenerating and mature native broadleaf forests, from coastal lowland areas up to subalpine elevations, typically favoring areas with rich undergrowth.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and larvae, supplemented with nectar, fruit, and berries.
South Island Saddlebacks are highly diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, and typically roost in dense vegetation. They exhibit a unique foraging strategy, gleaning insects from bark, probing into moss and epiphyte clusters with their strong bills, and frequently foraging on the forest floor, using ...
Historically, the South Island Saddleback was widespread throughout the native forests of the South Island of New Zealand. However, following the introduction of mammalian predators such as stoats, rats, and possums, its range dramatically contracted to the brink of extinction on the mainland by ...
Near Threatened
- The Tīeke's Māori name refers to its distinctive, loud 'chee-tock' call, which can carry for significant distances through the forest. - Saddlebacks are incredibly acrobatic, often hanging upside down from branches and using their strong legs and feet to clamber through dense vegetation. - Thei...