Excellent socks
I have been wearing these socks for at least 15 years and they have just got a hole! They are warm, look good, wash really well and I know they will last FOREVER. I have just bought 6 pairs to see me through the next 15 years!
Quick facts
- There are two species: North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) and South Island saddleback (P. carunculatus).
- The most endangered of the two species is the South Island saddleback, with only 650 birds in existence.
- It is a medium sized bird, and adults of both sexes have similar plumage.
- A main feature is a conspicuous chestnut-coloured saddle on its back, but it also has chestnut on the tip of its tail, a black bill, black legs, and orange, 'fleshy' wattles either side of its throat.
- Young South Island saddleback/tīeke (less than 15 months old) have a different plumage from adults. They are entirely dark brown with smaller wattles.
- South Island birds assume a saddleback marking by the end of the second moult.
- North Island birds assume a saddleback marking before they leave the nest.
- Juveniles are known as "jack-birds".
- Saddlebacks are very vocal birds. The males have a repertoire of melodious calls that they use during mating and in territorial disputes.
- The male has larger wattles than the female.
- Size: 25cm
- Weight: males 80 grams, females 70 grams.