nene goose

1. Bird Name
Commonly known as the Nene Goose, its scientific name is Branta sandvicensis.

2. Appearance
The Nene Goose is primarily gray and brown, with furrowed neck feathers and a black face. Their eyes are dark and charged with a wise tranquility, while their cheek patches and crown show striking contrasts in their white and black presentations. The bird’s beak and feet mirror each other, boasting a deep, robust black. There are minor differences between the sexes. The males are generally larger and heavier with a taller vertical stance while females tend to have a stockier, horizontal profile.

3. Size
The goose measures about 53-69cm in length. Its wingspan extends to approximately 127 cm and it typically weighs between 1.5 to 3 kilograms.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Indigenous to the Hawaiian islands, the Nene Goose prefers open shrubland, grasslands, and coastal dunes. The largest Nene populations are found on the islands of Maui, Kaua’i, and the Big Island in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

5. Interesting Facts
Many might be surprised to learn that the Nene Goose cannot fly long distances due to evolving in an environment with no natural predators. Intriguingly, this bird also has more webbing on its feet compared to other geese, aiding its navigation on the volcanic rock prolific in its Hawaiian home. A symbol of good fortune, the bird has a significant cultural impact on Hawaii and is, in fact, the state bird.

6. Diet
The Nene’s diet is varied, composed mainly of a variety of native and introduced vegetation including grasses, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Occasionally, they also indulge in insects and invertebrates.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Nene Goose exhibits unique behaviors, they mate for life and both parents care for the young. Their nests are usually hidden away in vegetation. Interestingly, unlike other geese, Nenes don’t need to venture into the water to gather sustenance, and prefer to remain on the volcanic slopes. They have a soft call which is often described as a gentle, murmuring coo.

8. Conservation Status
Despite its status as a state bird, the Nene Goose is critically endangered due to factors such as habitat loss, predation, and road accidents. Conservation efforts are being made to protect and increase the species’ population.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Nene Goose’s lifespan averages 20 years. In captivity, they are known to live longer, with certain individuals living up to 30 years.

10. Additional Notes
Due to its endangered status, interaction with humans is minimized to increase their chance of survival. However, in protected areas, they tend to be unafraid of human presence. The Nene Goose plays a vital role in seed dispersal, aiding the growth and propagation of various plant species. With their sociable nature and importance to the ecosystem, the preservation of the Nene Goose is crucial to maintaining the ecological balance of the Hawaiian islands.