Tīeke / Saddleback

Name: Tīeke / Saddleback
Brand: Metalbird
SKU: NZ-REG-TIEK
Price: 79.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

$79.99

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Description

A bold chestnut saddle and a tougher‑than‑history story.

From the same ancient wattlebird whānau as the extinct huia, the Tīeke / Saddleback is instantly recognisable—inky black body, glowing chestnut “saddle,” and orange wattles that, like noses, grow with age. Predators nearly silenced that sharp tī‑e‑ke‑ke‑ke call in the 19th century; heroic work by conservationists hauled the species back from the brink. Our steel Tīeke puts that story where it belongs… in your garden. Precision‑cut from 3 mm Corten steel, it settles into a warm, protective patina that looks striking against mānuka, flax, or a sunlit fence. Powerful symbol, easy install, all seasons.

✓ Life‑sized character... 5 cm (H) × 31 cm (W), approx. 300 g—sleek, horizontal stance
✓ Premium Corten steel... weathering patina protects; no repainting required
✓ Gift‑ready... ships flat in our A4 box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)
✓ Versatile placement... posts, sleepers, raised beds, or wedge between stones/boards
✓ Meaning with style... celebrates NZ conservation and classic wattlebird design

Perch your Tīeke where its saddle shines.

Choose a clear backdrop – pale timber, stone, or sunlit leaves make the saddle pop.
Set the angle – a slight forward lean suggests that alert, tail‑down posture.
Pre‑drill hardwood – for dense posts, use a 3–4 mm pilot hole to ease the stake in.
Tap to seat – cover with a soft cloth and tap the thick end in short, controlled blows.
Wedge option – slide the branch snugly between two stable surfaces; shim discreetly if needed.

Top Tip: Plant a small clump of harakeke (flax) or kōwhai nearby—the vertical leaves and yellow blooms frame the silhouette beautifully and feel right for a wattlebird.

What’s with the wattles on Tīeke?
They’re fleshy orange wattles at the base of the beak; they tend to enlarge with age and are part of the wattlebird family’s signature look.

Are there two kinds of Saddleback?
Yes—North Island Tīeke and South Island Tīeke. Both survived via predator‑free islands and managed sites; numbers are improving but they still rely on protection.

Will Corten stain my deck or pavers?
During early weathering, light rust runoff can occur. Install over soil/mulch or seal pale timber/stone if you’re particular about finishes.

Can I mount it on a living tree?
Posts or deadwood are kinder. If you choose a tree, tap shallowly in a mature, non‑critical area and avoid young bark.

Any styling ideas?
Give Tīeke a clean sightline at waist height near a path or bench. A small warm up‑light at dusk turns the saddle into a glowing badge.

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$79.99

AS SEEN IN

Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.

When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.

That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.

This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.

The Patina Process:

At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.

The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.