The Māori name ‘tīeke’ is related to the sound of their common name: ti-e-ke-ke-ke-ke

Member of the acacia bird family – relatives of koukako and huia (extinct)

Although primarily insectivorous, tīeke also eat fruit and nectar, disperse seeds, and pollinate flowers – an important role in the forest.

Tīeke groups develop their own dialects but seem to have no difficulty understanding each other when brought together through translations. The territorial male sings a rhythmic song – more than 200 types of male rhythmic songs have been recorded.

Their distinctive markings and unique dialect make them one of New Zealand’s most iconic bushbirds. Forty years ago, their numbers had dwindled to just 500 – but today, there are more than 7,000 tīke on predator-free islands and fenced mainland sites.