North Island saddleback

Philesturnus rufusater

The North Island saddleback, also known as tieke, is a medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand. It has a distinctive black plumage with a chestnut-colored saddle across its back. These birds are known for their loud, melodious calls and are often found hopping and foraging on the forest floor. They primarily feed on insects and fruits. The North Island saddleback is a territorial species and forms monogamous pairs. Due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species, the population of North Island saddlebacks has declined, leading to their classification as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN.

Habitat: Forests and scrublands