The Saddleback or Tieke Philesturnus carunculatus is a previously rare and endangered New Zealand bird of the family Callaeidae. It has a glossy black with a red-chestnut saddle. Its taxonomic family is also known as that of the (New Zealand) "wattlebirds." All members of this family have colored fleshy appendages on either side of the beak known as "wattles." In the case of Saddleback, they are a vivid red in color.

The Saddleback was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789. Its common name is derived from the demarkated brown plumage on its back which resembles a saddle. The Maori name of
Tieke is from the particular sound of one of this species' common calls: ti-e-ke-ke-ke-ke.

The Saddleback traditionally held a strong place in Maori superstitious belief; its cries were viewed as good omens when they came from the right, and bad omens when they came from the left. Its cheeky nature is reflected in the Maori legend that tells of how the bird acquired its distinctive chestnut saddle of color. Fresh from his battle to ensnare the sun, a thirsty Maui (a virtual demi-god in Maori folklore) asked the Tieke to bring him some water. The bird rudely pretended not to hear his request, at which Maui, becoming angry, seized it with his still fiery hand, leaving a brown scorch mark across its back.
Wikipedia.