Saddleback Pictures - Photos (2 images)

The Tieke or Saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus) is a previously rare and endangered New Zealand bird. By the turn of the 20th century, saddleback became extinct on the mainland of New Zealand, being confined to Hen Island off Northland, and Big South Cape Island off Stewart Island.

Today, thanks to careful management by DOC, the South Island saddleback population is up to 700, spread over 11 small islands.