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Saddleback
(Philesturnus carunculatus) Tieke
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 because of their extinction from the mainland of New Zealand, they have been introduced to many offshore islands around New Zealand and both subspecies are considered secure.
Click here to find out what this bird sounds like.Listen to a variety of bird calls in the sound gallery.
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