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What is a Hawaiian Goose?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

The Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis), or Nene, is a bird with a natural habitat confined to the Hawaiian islands of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui. It is the State Bird of Hawaii, and the world's rarest species of goose. The Hawaiian Goose is a descendant of the Canada Goose, which is believed to have migrated to Hawaii shortly after the islands were formed, about 500,000 years ago.

The Hawaiian Goose is an average sized goose at about 16 inches (41 cm) tall. Males weigh from 3.74 to 6.7 pounds (1.695–3.05 kg), while females are slightly smaller at 3.36 to 5.6 pounds (1.525–2.56 kg). Both sexes have black bills and feet, a black head, and a ruffled, black and white striped neck. The Hawaiian name for the goose, Nene, is an onomatopoeia of its call.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

Hawaiian Geese have the longest breeding season of any goose species, lasting from August to April. The geese mate on land, and the females build nests to hold from one to five eggs. The male keeps watch while his mate incubates the egg for about a month. The goslings are similar in appearance to adults and are precocial, meaning they can move and feed independently shortly after birth. However, they live with their parents for the first year of their life.

The Hawaiian Goose inhabits coastal dunes, grassland, shrubland, and lava plains. Its feet are padded, with less webbing than other goose breeds, allowing it to walk on lava plains more easily. The Nene also lives in some man-made habitats such as golf courses. The bird is herbivorous, eating the seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruit of a variety of plants. It will readily feed from the hand of a human.

The natural docility of the Hawaiian Goose probably contributed to its near extinction by the 20th century, since the bird was so easy to hunt. Also, Europeans introduced a number of predators to the islands, such as the mongoose and the cat. Though the Hawaiian Goose species was depleted to 30 individuals by 1952, it has successfully been bred in captivity and reintroduced to the wild since. In 2004, there were an estimated 800 Hawaiian Geese in the wild, in addition to 1,000 in captivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hawaiian Goose?

The Hawaiian Goose, or Nēnē, is a species of goose endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It's recognized by its distinctive black face, buff-colored cheeks, and a pattern of black and white stripes on its neck. The Nēnē is Hawaii's state bird and has a conservation success story, having been brought back from the brink of extinction through dedicated efforts.

What does the Hawaiian Goose eat?

The Nēnē is an herbivore, primarily grazing on a variety of native grasses, leaves, and seeds. It has adapted to its volcanic surroundings by developing a reduced webbing on its feet and longer legs, which allow it to walk on the rough terrain of Hawaii's lava plains while foraging for food.

Where can you find the Hawaiian Goose in the wild?

The Hawaiian Goose is found in the wild on several of the Hawaiian Islands, including Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (the Big Island). They inhabit a range of environments from coastal dunes to grassy volcanic slopes, and even golf courses and farmland. Conservation areas and national parks provide protected habitats for these geese.

How many Hawaiian Geese are there in the wild?

Thanks to conservation efforts, the population of the Hawaiian Goose has increased from a mere 30 birds in the 1950s to over 2,500 individuals by 2020. This remarkable recovery is a result of habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and predator control, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What are the main threats to the Hawaiian Goose?

The main threats to the Hawaiian Goose include habitat destruction, introduced predators like mongooses, dogs, and cats, and collisions with vehicles. Disease and climate change also pose risks. Conservation programs continue to address these threats through habitat protection, predator control, and public awareness campaigns.

Is the Hawaiian Goose still considered endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Hawaiian Goose is listed as 'Vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While this is an improvement from its previous status of 'Endangered', the species still requires ongoing conservation efforts to ensure its survival and prevent a decline in population.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

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      Veterinarian with a puppy