About The Nene

The nene (Branta sandvicensis), or Hawaiian goose, was proclaimed the ‘Official Bird of Hawai`i’ on May 7, 1957, and is an endangered species. It is not known how many nene once inhabited the island chain, but by the arrival of Captain James Cook nene were found primarily in high elevation habitats. Several factors led to the rapid decline of the nene, including predation by alien species such as feral dogs, cats, rats, and the mongoose. Hunting during breeding season remained legal until 1907, and quickly diminished the wild population. By the time it was realized that nene were teetering on the brink of extinction it was estimated only 30 - 50 geese remained in the wild. A captive propagation program was begun, and in 1949 Big Island rancher Herbert Shipman (who had maintained a small flock of captive nene since 1918) loaned two pairs to the Territory of Hawai`i and a trio to the Wildfowl Trust in Slimbridge, England. Since 1960 more than 2,000 young have been reared and released into the wild on three islands.
Photo: David Watersun ©1995

Photo: Arleone Dibben ©1995		 Nene differ physically from domestic geese with a more upright stance, a turned-down nail on the tip of the bill, reduced webbing of the feet, and longer legs and wings. They range in height from 21" to 26" and weigh about 2 kilos (4 ½ pounds). The legs and feet of nene are smoky black, and the body dark brown to dark gray with cream-tipped feathers. Buff-colored feathers form an unusual furrowed pattern along the entire length of the neck. Males and females have identical plumage, and the male is typically slightly larger. The call of a nene is a resonant "honk" similar to other species of wild geese. It is its almost constant moaning while feeding that is most unusual…a low murmuring "nay-nay" made when its bill is closed.
Nene form life-long monogamous pairs, and sometimes trios consisting of one male and two females. Both sexes can reach reproductive maturity in their first year, but females usually mate at two or three years of age. The nene is the only goose species in the Northern Hemisphere to nest during the winter months of October through March. Nests are constructed on the ground, concealed under low shrubs. Clutch size is between 3 - 5 eggs, which are 55 - 60 mm in width and 85 - 90 mm from end to end. Incubation is solely by the female and takes 28 to 30 days. Males guard the nest by perching on nearby boulders or high ground. At hatching, goslings weigh between 90 - 105 grams. Nene goslings take flight, or fledge, at about 8 weeks of age. The life span of wild nene may be up to 32 years or more.


Photo: Dr. Helen Baker ©1995


Photo: Arleone Dibben ©1995		 Nene are very social birds, and parental care is prolonged. They may travel in family groups for the first year, usually dispersing when the parents nest again. Flocks will sometimes form after the breeding season when the new goslings have fledged.


Nene are considered to be strictly vegetarian, eating grasses, seeds, buds, flowers, leaves, fruits and berries of numerous plant species. Nene feed most in the early morning and late afternoon, and rest in the shade throughout the day. Small flocks of nene will consistently roost overnight in the same location, dispersing after dawn to a daytime feeding ground, returning at dusk.

Despite their current range, it is speculated that nene once nested in lowland habitats, and migrated to seasonal food sources at various elevations. This prompted State officials to begin lowland releases in 1991 on Kaua`i and in 1995 on the mid-elevation slopes of the West Maui Mountains. Nene O Moloka`i will breed, reintroduce, and monitor nene on the island of Moloka`i. This island has both low- and mid-elevation potential nene habitats.


Photo: DLNR/DOFAW ©1995

Integrating the nene into today’s altered lowland habitats is critical for their survival. You can help save this endangered species by keeping them wild.