Hawaii State Bird - Nene

The nene (pronounced 'nay-nay,') or Hawaiian goose was adopted as Hawaii State Bird in 1957, during a period when this endangered species' numbers were near an all-time low. It was officially added to the endangered species list ten years later, and recovery efforts continue to this day. Once endemic throughout the Hawaiian Islands, it now resides only on the Big Island and, to a lesser extent, on Maui where reintroduction efforts have had some success.

Appearance

The Nene is a medium-sized goose that stands about 16 inches tall and weighs 3 to 6 pounds, with males slightly heavier than females. In many respects, the Hawaiian goose resembles the Canada goose, its closest living relative, but with certain adaptations for island life.

One of the most terrestrial species of water birds, the Hawaiian goose is well adapted to life on land. Its feet are only about half as webbed as those of other species of geese, with long protruding toes that allow it to navigate easily lava flows and stubby brush. No longer a migratory species, the nene has weak wings and will only fly when necessary.

Its coloring is also similar to the Canada goose, but only the cheeks, cap, and part of the neck are black. The nene has a distinctive, furrowed neck with a striking black and white pattern that allows the bird to camouflage easily among lava rocks and brush.

History

The nene is thought to have descended from groups of migratory Canada geese that lost their way, hence the similarity. In addition to its physical resemblance, the family habits and feeding behaviors of the two species are remarkably similar. The call of the Hawaiian goose is much like that of its Canadian cousin, but somewhat softer and almost conversational in tone.

When the first Polynesian people arrived on the islands of Hawaii around 400 A.D., they would have met as many as eight species of wild geese. By the time James Cook arrived on the island in 1778, only the nene remained. Early in the twentieth century, nene populations only existed on the Big Island itself. Efforts to restore the status of the nene have been marginally successful, but predation and habitat loss remain a significant threat to the Hawaii state bird.

Feeding

As a generalist browser and grazer, the nene is able to capitalize on much of the ecological diversity that Hawaii has to offer. They are able to feed on berries, seeds, grass, flowers and herbs from over 50 species of both native and introduced plants. Certain introduced plants have been problematic for the nene, however, and the increase of introduced ornamental grasses and other vegetation on the island have created significant loss of food sources.

Family Life

Family structure seems to play an important role in the life of the nene. Hawaiian geese are usually monogamous and prefer to stay with the same mate until one partner dies. Pairs are formed after the first year with mating occurring one to two years later.

The female of the pair selects the nesting site and constructs the nest, and incubates the eggs as the male stands guard. Eggs are incubated for 30 days, one of the longest incubation periods of any waterfowl. Once hatched, the goslings are precocious and start feeding alongside the parents within hours of hatching, but remain flightless for up to three months.

Goslings remain with the parents as a family unit for the first year of life, but even after leaving the nest and starting their own families, loose family associations continue for many years. Hawaiian geese are social within their extended family and have been observed in groups of up to thirty individuals.

Status of the Hawaii State Bird

Despite nearly 50 years of rehabilitation efforts, the nene remains on the endangered list. Hunting, habitat loss, traffic, and predation from mongoose, rats, and feral cats continue to threaten the survival of the nene.

At the turn of the last century, population numbers were estimated to be around 25,000 individuals. By 1951, this number had dropped to less than thirty. Currently, there are estimated to be around 890 individuals living in the wild, and as many as two thousand in breeding programs and zoos worldwide. Population models indicate that if the current state of management continues, the nene will be extinct within the next 200 years.

To learn more about the nene restoration program, visit the Environmental Defence Fund nene page.

Sources

Reading, Richard and Miller, Brian. Endangered animals: a reference guide to conflicting issues. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Press, 2000.

Taylor, Jeffrey. "Nene." Branta sandvicensis . 12 May 2000. Michigan State University. 21 March 2010.