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What is a Nene (Hawaii goose)?

The Nene (Branta sandvicensis) is also known as the Hawaiian Goose. Though it is believed to be evolved from the Canadian Goose, the Nene is a different species and is exclusively found on the islands of Hawai’i, Kaua’i, Molokai, Maui, and Oahu.

Why is the Nene the state bird of Hawaii?

The nene is revered in Hawaii, not only because of its endemic status, but also as the official Hawaii state bird. The nene was actually adopted as the state’s official representative in 1957, two years before Hawaii achieved statehood.

What does the Nene bird eat?

It feeds on berries and grasses on high lava slopes. Nene ( Branta sandvicensis ). By 1911, predation by introduced mammals, including dogs, cats, pigs, and mongooses, coupled with human hunting, had reduced the nene population to a few small flocks.

What happened to the Nene bird?

Nene ( Branta sandvicensis ). By 1911, predation by introduced mammals, including dogs, cats, pigs, and mongooses, coupled with human hunting, had reduced the nene population to a few small flocks. From that year, shooting of the nene was forbidden, but the species nevertheless declined further, reaching about 30 in 1952.

Is a nene goose a non migratory bird?

Unlike most other geese, Nene are non-migratory, in that generally only island wide movement is known to occur. Nene have also been called “semi terrestrial,” in that the toe webbing is reduced. The Nene and the Canada Goose are probably derived from a common ancestor.

What is a Nene?

The nene is a goose species native to the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawai’i, Kaua’i, and Moloka’i. They are also known as the “Hawaiian goose.”

Where to see Nene snakes in Hawaii?

The best place to see nene in the wild is on Hawaii Island, with the largest number living in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Please remember when you’re admiring these rare birds to keep your distance—they are federally protected and listed as an endangered species.

Did you know Hawaii’s state bird is a goose?

The goose has since been bred back from the brink of extinction and re-introduced into the wild. Today, with 2,500 birds in the wild, it is still the sixth-most endangered waterfowl species in the world. 3. The nene became Hawaii’s state bird in 1957. 4. The Hawaiian name “nene” comes from the bird’s soft, almost gentle call.

Why is the Goose Hawaii’s state bird?

It is Hawaii’s state bird, which adds a special impetus to its preservation as a symbol of native Hawaiian wildlife. It is also the only goose endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago which exists; at least eight other endemic goose species are known to have become extinct.

Are there any geese in Hawaii?

It is also the only goose endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago which exists; at least eight other endemic goose species are known to have become extinct. Unlike most other geese, Nene are non-migratory, in that generally only island wide movement is known to occur.

What is the origin of the Hawaiian Nene?

It is thought that the nene evolved from the Canada goose ( Branta canadensis ), which most likely arrived on the Hawaiian islands about 500,000 years ago, shortly after the island of Hawaiʻi was formed. This ancestor is the progenitor of the nene as well as the prehistoric giant Hawaiʻi goose ( Branta rhuax) and nēnē-nui ( Branta hylobadistes ).

What is a nene goose?

The nene is a medium-sized goose at 41 cm (16 in) tall. Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they are capable of flight, with some individuals flying daily between nesting and feeding areas.

Why do mother birds remove dead baby birds from their nests?

Mother birds will remove dead baby birds from their nests when they see that they no longer respond to them. They will remove dead baby birds before they begin to decompose and start spreading any diseases that can further harm other birds in the nest.

What do Nenes eat?

Seeds are often excreted in their feces, which spreads plants to new areas and helps rejuvenate vegetation. While nenes do not regularly eat meat, on rare occasions they will eat fish or insects when these foods are easily available.

Is the Nene an endangered species?

The Nene is one of 30 birds species in Hawaii classified by both the State and Federal government as an endangered species. It is Hawaii’s state bird, which adds a special impetus to its preservation as a symbol of native Hawaiian wildlife.

Are Nene geese migratory?

Unlike most other geese, Nene are non-migratory, in that generally only island wide movement is known to occur. Nene have also been called “semi terrestrial,” in that the toe webbing is reduced. The Nene is one of 30 birds species in Hawaii classified by both the State and Federal government as an endangered species.

Are there geese on Oahu Hawaii?

Similar fossil geese found on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi may be of the same species. The giant Hawaiʻi goose was restricted to the island of Hawaiʻi and measured 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in length with a mass of 8.6 kg (19 lb), making it more than four times larger than the nene.

What are some interesting facts about the Hawaiian goose Nene?

Nene Facts. The plumage of male and female nene is identical. Nene seldom swim and are not bothered by predators or cold temperatures, so they do not fly as much and their wings are weak compared to other geese. Today nene have feet that are only half as webbed as other geese, and longer toes for climbing on the rocky Hawaiian surfaces.

Are there snakes in Hawaii?

The only snake to reach Hawaii by its own means is the yellow-bellied sea snake which lives mostly in the waters around Hawaii. There may also be black market traders who import snakes to be kept as illicit pets, despite the serious risk of punishment.

What is the size of a Hawaiian Nene?

An adult Nene is about 25 inches long (around 65 cm). Wild populations on the Big Island are most frequently found on the grassy slopes of Mauna Loa Volcano and in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

What is the state flower and bird of Hawaii?

The Hawaii state bird and flower are the Yellow Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) and the Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandwicensis). What is the Hawaii State Bird?

What is the taxonomy of a Hawaiian goose?

Taxonomy: The only surviving endemic goose species of six described from the Hawaiian Islands. In subfamily Anserinae, tribe Anserini with other true geese.