Nene Bird

1. Bird Name: The English name of the bird we’re investigating today is the Nene bird, and its Latin scientific name is Branta sandvicensis.

2. Appearance: The Nene bird is a unique blend of colors and patterns. Its entire body is a mixed palette of light and dark grey, contrasting with a black crown and face. Its cheek, neck, and underparts are cream-colored. A long, slender, black bill and dark, vigilant eyes are the most striking features of its face. The bird’s soft, dense feathers are adapted well to the Hawaiian climate. What sets the Nene bird apart are its partially webbed feet, quite different from its fully webbed Canadian cousin, the Canada Goose. Male and female Nene birds share a similar plumage, although males tend to be slightly larger.

3. Size: On average, Nene birds measure between 56-69 cm (22-27 inches) in length. They have a wingspan varying from 97-116 cm (38-45 inches). The Nene bird’s weight can range from 1.2-3.3 kg (2.5-7.3 lbs), with males being heavier than females.

4. Habitat & Distribution: To see the Nene bird in its natural habitat, we would have to travel to the beautiful islands of Maui, Kauai, and Big Island of Hawaii. Originally, this species occupied the entire Hawaiian archipelago but due to various reasons, their presence is now restricted. These birds prefer open shrubland habitats, grasslands, coastal dunes, and even volcanic slopes.

5. Interesting Facts: Ironically, over a few thousand years, as the Nene bird adapted to life in Hawaii, their feet became more clawed and less webbed, limiting their swimming ability – quite unusual for a goose. The Nene bird earned its name from its soft call that sounds like “nay-nay”. This species is also the state bird of Hawaii, recognized for its unique beauty and cultural significance.

6. Diet: The Nene bird’s diet mainly consists of local vegetation. They feed on leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers of various Hawaiian plants. Unlike water-dependent Canadian Geese, they have adapted to ingest food from dry land.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Nesting on the ground in a well-hidden place, Nene birds lay two to five eggs which are incubated for approximately one month. Despite being non-migratory birds, they move to different elevations in their habitat based on their breeding cycles. When airborne, their flight pattern is direct rather than the “V” shape commonly seen with migratory birds. Their soft “nay-nay” call is soothing and peaceful, rather than loud or harsh.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Nene bird is listed as “Vulnerable”. This is due to a consistent decline in numbers, largely contributed by habitat loss, predation, and diseases introduced by humans.

9. Lifespan: The Nene bird can live up to 20 years in the wild whereas, in captivity, their lifespan can extend up to 25 years, due to safety from predators and stable food sources.

10. Additional Notes: In the native language of Hawaii, the Nene bird has local names Nēnē and Nēnē-nui. The way they interact with humans is noteworthy as they are quite trusting and docile, often leaving them vulnerable to speeding vehicles. In their ecosystem, Nene birds play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping in the growth and spread of native plant species around the islands.