tīeke - North Island saddleback
Voted most likely to be heard before they're seen.
Photo: Nathan Wakley
tīeke - North Island saddleback
Philesturnus rufusater
New Zealand Status: Endemic
Conservation Status: Relict
Lifespan: Up to 21 years
Size: 25cm (similar to a blackbird)
Weight: 70g
-Predation by introduced predators such as ship rats and stoats, especially as tīeke are cavity nesters.
Is it a saddleback?
Look for: Another one with a clue in the name. If you see a blackbird sized bird digging in the leaves on the forest floor or jumping between branches, look out for the beautiful orange saddle and the red wattle.
Listen for: Their most common call has been described as someone laughing at you and as an engine trying (and failing) to start. If they're around you then you'll hear them!
Did you know?
North Island saddlebacks were once confined to a single population on Hen Island (Taranga) off the northeast coast of the North Island. A series of successful translocations means there are now 18 populations including their natural population on Hen Island and a thriving population at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Tīeke are members of the Callaeidae family, an ancient family of wattlebirds endemic to New Zealand including North Island saddleback, South Island saddleback, North Island kōkako, South Island kōkako (possibly extinct) and huia (extinct).
Tīeke @ Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Tīeke can be encountered when walking the trails of Te Tūī a Tāne, the Southern Enclosure. They are often heard first and then seen.
40 North Island saddlebacks were translocated to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari from Tiritiri Matangi Island in 2013. Ngā mihi nui, Tiritiri Matangi Island and the supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. When initially translocated in 2013, tīeke were surveyed to determine how well they were doing in their new environment on Maungatautari. Surveys have not been required since because they have become self-sustaining and are one of the birds most likely to be seen or heard on the mountain today.
Join our guides on an Ancient Forest Tour
Our knowledgeable guides can help you to identify many of the plants and animals you'll encounter within the forest, including Tīeke!