Photographer: Adam Riley   Destination: New Zealand

This incredibly striking species pictured above is the North Island Saddleback, and along with its sister species on the South Island, is one of the most recognizable birds in New Zealand.

Split in 2002 into two full species, the North and South Island Saddlebacks are similar in adult appearance but have different ranges, as their names suggest. They also differ in behaviour, breeding biology and vocalisations. 

In addition to this, the juvenile plumage in the North Island Saddleback is absent, in contrast to the South Islands juvenile plumage being brownish overall with paler underparts and a chestnut wash on the undertail-coverts.

While The North Island Saddleback is known for its active, noisy and vigorous foraging behaviour, it is most famous for being one of New Zealand’s greatest conservation success stories. Once widespread throughout the mainland and offshore islands, the Saddleback declined rapidly in the 1800s following the spread of rats and feral cats. By the early 1900s, it was extinct everywhere except for tiny Hen Island. In the 1960s, New Zealand Wildlife Services initiated a series of successful translocations and there are now 18 island populations. This includes the natural population on Hen Island, a population established through natural dispersal on Coppermine Island, and 16 translocated island populations, plus another six at predator-proof mainland sites.

This translocation resulted in both the North and South Island Saddlebacks being rescued from extinction and was the first time that a rescue translocation had prevented a species from becoming extinct anywhere in the world!

North Island Saddlebacks are extremely active foragers utilising the forest floor to the canopy. They are often joined by other species whilst feeding, particularly fantails and whiteheads. They make use of their strong bill to chip away at rotten wood and under bark, shuffle around and burrow into leaf litter and glean branches, trunks and leaves, while making their distinctive, laughter-like call. They are more likely to be seen bounding through vegetation on their strong legs as they are fairly weak fliers. 

According to Māori tradition, the reason for the saddle marking on its back was caused by the demi-god, Māui. Made thirsty by the heat of the sun, Māui asked the Saddleback to fetch him some water but the bird ignored him. This irritated Māui and he seized the bird with his burning hot hands, singeing the feathers on its back.

The Saddlebacks are in the unique endemic New Zealand ‘wattlebird’ family, along with Kokako and the extinct Huia. The wattlebird family is thought to be closely related to the Stitchbird, another fascinating New Zealand endemic and a monotypic bird family to boot! 

New Zealand has been in isolated evolution for over 80 million years, which has resulted in an array of birds and wildlife unlike that of anywhere else on the planet. One is most certainly transported back in time as we amble through ancient tree ferns and conifers, surrounded by flightless birds, insects and reptiles, seemingly belonging to a prehistoric era. The primeval looking South Island Takahe being a notable member of this interesting list as well as a host of unique and world-famous Kiwis, the unusual Wrybill, Rifleman and Whitehead.

A country of beautifully extreme contrasts, this 2,000-kilometer-long chain of islands boasts high, snow-capped alpine peaks, glacial ice, arid valleys, active volcanoes and pristine, surf-swept headlands and bubbling mud pools. World renowned for its spectacular scenery, this dream destination is also extremely accessible. Supported by first world infrastructure and a friendly population, any adventure in this stunning country is sure to feel like a holiday.

View our tours below and enjoy over 50 endemic bird species and no fewer than 6 endemic bird families, as well as a multitude of other great pelagic birds and unusual wildlife, all the while experiencing the fascinating cultural history that New Zealand has to offer.