The Nene (or Hawaiian) Goose (Branta sandvicensis) is the state bird of Hawaii. The Nene in some ways resembles its closest living relative, the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) although the Nene is smaller in size, reaching lengths of 53cm-66cm (21in-26in). The Nene has yellow-buff cheeks and black feathers on the back of its neck, the top of its head, and its face. Diagonal rows of creamy-white feathers form deep furrows along its neck (Source: Hawaiian).
Males and females are similar in size and markings. The Nene's calls include a muted 'moo' and a loud 'haw'. Their breeding season, which is perhaps the longest breeding season of all gooses, extends from November until June with incubation lasting 30 days and the chicks fledging after 10 to 12 weeks. This extended breeding season contributes to the Nene's susceptibility to introduced predators, with mongooses, feral cats and dogs often feeding on Nene eggs and young (Source: Hawaiian).
Pictures: View pictures of the Nene goose.
Classification:
Habitat: Grassland, scrubland, and sparsely vegetaged slopes of Hawaii and Maui's volcanoes as well as the lowland areas of Kauai (Source: Hawaiian).
Range: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Wild populations on Hawaii (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa, Pu'u Wa'awa'a), Maui (Haleakala National Park), and the lowlands of Kauai (Source: Hawaiian).
Diet: Plants, grasses.
Status: Red List Category & Criteria (ver 2.3, 1994): VU D1. Vulnerable with population size estimated to number fewer than 1000 mature individuals (Source: BirdLife). The greatest threat to the Nene population is derived from introduced predators. Captive breeding programs have brought the Nene back from the brink of extinction. Several small wild populations have now been reintroduced and there are small numbers of wild Nene on the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, and Kaua'i (Source: The Nene).
Sources:
- BirdLife International, 2004. 'Branta sandvicensis' (On-line), IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 19 July 2005.
- 'The Nene or Hawaiin Goose' (On-line), Aloha-Hawaii.com. Accessed July 19, 2005.
- Hawaiian Audubon Society. Hawaii's Birds. 1997. Hawaiian Audubon Society. Honolulu. 1997.
- Medeiros, A. and Loope L. Rare Animals and Plants of Haleakala National Park. Hawaii Natural History Association. Hawaii. 1994.
Links: For more information about Nenes, see:
