North I, in New Zealand: self-sustaining populations now restricted to islands off northern coast, also Kapiti I, off southern coast. Attempted establishment of at least three populations within fenced mainland sites on North I.
Status NT
Predation by introduced rats is the main threat.
Food
Caterpillars, wetas, bettle grubs, fruits.
Clutch Size: 2, rarely 3
Color: pale brown or pale grey and blotched all over brown and pale brown, especially at the larger end
Incubation: by both sexes
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Genus sometimes listed as Creadion. Often treated as conspecific with South Island Saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus), but differs in details of adult plumage, morphometrics, behaviour and vocalizations, and especially in lacking a distinct juvenile plumage.
Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of South Island Saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus).
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