Birds
File:North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) Tiritiri Matangi.jpg

North Island Saddleback

North Island Saddleback

100
7 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The North Island Saddleback, or Tīeke, is a medium-sized, striking wattlebird endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its glossy black plumage with a prominent chestnut 'saddle' across its back and bright orange wattles.
Where to spot
Endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, currently restricted to offshore predator-free islands and mainland sanctuaries where intensive predator control occurs, inhabiting native forests.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive chestnut 'saddle' and bright orange wattles against glossy black. Listen for its loud, energetic 'chee-chee-chee-chup' calls. They often move quickly and noisily through dense forest.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Active throughout the day, often heard and seen foraging in the undergrowth or mid-story. Most vocal in the mornings.
File:North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) Tiritiri Matangi.jpg
File:North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) head Tiritiri Matangi.jpg
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB10837-4).jpg
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB10837-5).jpg
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB13324-1).jpg
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB14699-1).jpg
File:Philesturnus rufusater - Adam Mark Lenny 01.jpg
File:North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) Tiritiri Matangi.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) head Tiritiri Matangi.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB10837-4).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB10837-5).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB13324-1).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Philesturnus rufusater (AM LB14699-1).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Philesturnus rufusater - Adam Mark Lenny 01.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Saddlebacks are known for their boisterous, chattering calls and for often moving noisily through the undergrowth, crashing through foliage as they forage.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
511 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
7 hours ago

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Heteralocha acutirostris (huia) (48719264223).jpg
100

Huia

Wattlebirds
File:Callaeas wilsoni, Tiritiri Matangi Island 1.jpg
100

North Island Kokako

Wattlebirds
File:Callaeas cinereus by Charles Reuben Ryley.jpg
100

South Island Kokako

Wattlebirds
File:Philesturnus carunculatus 129890007.jpg
100

South Island Saddleback

Wattlebirds
100

Puna Ground-Tyrant

Tyrant Flycatchers
File:Sclerurus caudacutus Black-tailed Leaftosser; Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.jpg
100

Black-tailed Leaftosser

Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers
100

Bolivian Antpitta

Antpittas
100

Sooty Grassquit

Tanagers and Allies
File:Leiothrix argentauris - Mae Wong.jpg
100

Silver-eared Mesia

Laughingthrushes and Allies
100

Tanahjampea Monarch

Monarch Flycatchers