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Hawaii State Bird
Nene (Hawaiian Goose)
- Official Hawaii State Bird: Nene
- Also Known As: Hawaiian Goose
- Family: Anatidae, Waterfowl
- Scientific name: Nesochen sandvicensis (Old name Branta sandvicensis)
- Length: 25" (64 cm)
- Diet: Plant-eater: seeds of grasses and herbs as well as
leaves, buds, flowers and fruits of various native and non-native
plants.
- Voice: A 2-syllable, high, nasal bark, nay-nay,
similar to call of Canada Goose. Also a muted moo uttered when
disturbed on the ground.
- Habitat: Inhabits rocky, sparsely vegetated, high
volcanic slopes. Not usually observed near water, but will swim if a
body of water such as a ranch pond is available.
- Number of broods: 2, rarely 3
- Nest: Concealed, downy nests under bushes and in
cracks and crevasses on lava.
- Eggs: 2-5 white eggs
- Incubation period: 29-31 days
- Goslings: Flightless for 11-14 weeks after hatching
- Longevity Record: 18 Years and 11 months (according to USGS
Bird Banding Lab)
The Nene, or Hawaiian Goose, is the Hawaii State Bird. Formerly abundant,
the Nene nearly became extinct in the wild by 1951. A combination of over-hunting,
habitat loss and predation by introduced species (such as mongooses, feral cats
and dogs) has imperiled Hawaii's wandering goose. Under some of the first
captive breeding efforts for an endangered species, the bird's extinction has
been prevented. Using new information and techniques, this work has succeeded in
establishing new populations of the Hawaii state bird, and some 1,100 Nene now
inhabit Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Kauai.
Hawaii State Bird Books
50 State Birds
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