South Island tīeke or saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus) released at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Rare tīeke (saddlebacks) are being released into Nelson's Brook Waimārama Sanctuary this week in a milestone for the predator-free reserve.
The first group of the wattlebirds, with distinctive chestnut-coloured plumage across their backs, were flown from the thriving population on Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds and released in the sanctuary on Monday.
Up to 40 birds are being relocated this week to form the first South Island mainland population.
Tīeke were once widespread in the South Island but introduced predators made them extinct on the mainland by 1900. In 1964 a rat invasion of their remaining habitats in islands off Stewart Island saw a rescue mission which relocated 36 birds to predator-free areas.