NEW ZEALAND BIRDING NETWORK

(Photo: Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience)

Two subspecies are recognised for the North and South Islands. This bird is the NI saddleback rufusater. Saddleback are the second extant member of the endemic Wattlebird family. Saddleback have pendulous orange wattles at the base of the bill. Their call is one of the most characteristic sounds to be heard on a trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island and their frenetic noisy activity in search of invertebrates allows the visitor to enjoy watching natural behaviour easily. Although still considered threatened, they have been introduced to many offshore islands and around New Zealand and both subspecies are considered secure. The North Island saddleback has also been reintroduced to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary - a mainland island in Wellington city, where they are protected by a predator-proof fence.


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