The South Island saddleback or tīeke is a forest-dwelling passerine bird in the New Zealand wattlebird family which is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Both the North Island saddleback and this species were formerly considered conspecific. The Department of Conservation currently has the South Island saddleback listed as At Risk--Declining.
Region
New Zealand (South Island and offshore islands)
Typical Environment
Naturally associated with lowland and coastal native forests of the South Island and nearby islands, they now persist mainly on predator-free offshore islands and within fenced mainland sanctuaries. They favor podocarp–broadleaf and beech forests with dense understory, as well as regenerating shrublands. Birds forage close to the ground, on fallen logs, and along trunks and branches. Translocated populations occupy a patchwork of protected sites, where they can become locally common. Outside protected areas they remain highly vulnerable to mammalian predators.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
South Island saddlebacks (tīeke) are noisy, charismatic wattlebirds named for their chestnut 'saddle' across a glossy black body and the small orange facial wattles at the bill base. Once nearly lost to introduced predators, they survived through translocations to predator-free islands and fenced sanctuaries. They are poor fliers that spend much time hopping through dense understory and probing bark for invertebrates. In New Zealand they are managed intensively; DOC has treated the species as At Risk in the past despite overall recovery.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that often hops and glides between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found in monogamous pairs that defend year-round territories. Nests are placed in cavities, tree holes, or dense vegetation, with both parents caring for young. Pairs maintain close contact with frequent calling and follow each other while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing whistles interspersed with chattering notes and scolding calls. Pairs often duet, with phrases repeated and exchanged between partners.
