Like the Kokako the Saddleback belongs to the Wattlebird family, an ancient group of birds.  The Saddleback has fleshy bright orange-red wattles at the base of the bill.  The head and body is a glossy black with a chestnut brown saddle and chestnut plumage under the tail.  The North Island sub-species (found on Tiri) has a thin buff line at the upper edge of the saddle.  The S.I. sub-species and N.I sub-species juveniles lack this buff coloured line.  

Also like the Kokako they are poor fliers, moving through the forest by bounding from tree to tree using their strong legs.  They do make a better attempt at flying though, but seldom sustained for more than 50 metres .  Their jaws have considerable power which enables the saddleback to lever bark from trees and split decaying branches in search of insects, especially weta.  They spend a lot of time rummaging around on the forest floor poking in leaf litter and crevices which makes them very susceptible to predation.  They will supplement their diet with fruit and nectar in the summer months.

Saddlebacks are long lived and form life-long pairs. They make their nests in tree holes and dense epiphytes, usually close to the ground. 

The Saddleback has a wide variety of calls, mainly loud and shrill.  Their main call can sound like laughter, a 'cheet, te-te-te-te'.

Saddlebacks were first released on Tiri in 1984.  At that time the species was severely endangered.  The population on Tiri is now over 600 birds, with a total population of around 5000.

Photography by:  Alex Mitchell © (top left) and Peter Craw © (bottom right).

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.