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Nene Goose

Branta sandvicensisOrder: ANSERIFORMESFamily: Geese and Ducks (Anatidae)

Nene Goose Portrait_2
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General

Nene Goose: The state bird of Hawaii, aka the Hawaiian Goose, is a medium-sized goose with a black head and nape that contrasts with yellow-buff cheeks. Upperparts are heavily barred gray-brown and the underparts are finely barred. Bill and feet are black, feet are only partially webbed for steady walking on the rugged terrain of lava flows. Sexes similar and juvenile resembles the adults at 5 months. Nearly extinct in the wild in the 1950's due to feral cats and the introduction of the mongoose.

Range and Habitat

Nene Goose: This native of the Hawaiian Islands is local on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa, and Maui. Recentely established and increasing on Kauai and Molokai. Prefers scrubland, grassland, sparsely vegetated slopes and golf courses.

Voice Text

"nay-nay"

Interesting Facts

  • The native Hawaiian name, Nene, is derived from their distinctive "nay-nay" vocalization. The official bird of the State of Hawaii, the Nene is exclusively found in the wild on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. It is also known as the Hawaiian Goose.
  • Unlike most other geese, Nene are non-migratory, generally only island wide movement is known to occur. Nene have also been called "semi terrestrial," in that the toe webbing is reduced. The reduction of webbing between their toes enables them to walk more easily on the rugged lava flows.
  • Prior to the arrival of Capt. James Cook in 1778, there were about 25,000 Nene. By the mid 1900's, wild Nene numbered less than 30. Breeding programs at Slimbridge in England and Pohakuloa, Hawaii have helped bring the current population in Hawaii up to about 3,000 birds.
  • A group of geese has many collective nouns, including a "blizzard", "chevron", "knot", "plump", and "string" of geese.


Author

Jane Wright Splitbar
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Bird Call Credits: The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Martyn Stewart, http://www.naturesound.org, Redmond, Washington USA. The reuse or copying of bird calls in this database is strictly forbidden.
Family
Species Branta sandvicensis
Length22 - 28 Inches
Wingspan45 Inches

Nene Goose

Nene Goose: The state bird of Hawaii, aka the Hawaiian Goose, is a medium sized goose with a black head and nape that contrasts with yellow-buff cheeks. Upperparts are heavily barred gray-brown and the underparts are finely barred. Bill and feet are black and only partially webbed.

● Song: "nay-nay"

● Foraging & Feeding: Nene Goose: Grazes on a variety of grasses and leaves, collects seeds, fruits and flowers from shrubs.

● Breeding & nesting: Nene Goose: Two to three white eggs are laid in a nest of twigs, leaves and some down on the ground usually concealed under trees or bushes.

● Similar species: Nene Goose: Canada Goose and Brant show mostly black neck.

Flight Pattern

Strong deep wing beats.
Nene Goose Body Illustration_2
● Range & Habitat: Nene Goose: This native of the Hawaiian Islands is local on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa, and Maui. Recentely established and increasing on Kauai and Molokai. Prefers scrubland, grassland, sparsely vegetated slopes and golf courses.
BreedingMonogamous
PopulationUncommon and local
MigrationNonmigratory
Weight67 - 74 Ounces