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Birds of Kīlauea Point

Hawaiian goose / Branta sandvicensis / Nēnē

Description This regal goose is Hawai‘i’s state bird. The nēnē measures between 22 to 26 inches in length, has a black head and bill, yellow-buff cheeks, a buff neck with dark furrows, and partially webbed black feet. The reduction of webbing between their toes enables them to walk more easily on the rugged lava flows. Its loud calls are like those of the Canada goose and when disturbed, its call resembles the “moo” of a cow.

Hawaiian Goose - Photo credit Brenda Zaun/USFWS

Population

Fossil records show that the nēnē used to live on all the main Hawaiian Islands. It is believed that they were abundant (about 25,000 birds) on the Big Island before the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778. Scientists believe that the Maui population became extinct before 1890. The decline in numbers was accelerated during the period of 1850 to 1900 due to aggressive hunting of the birds and collecting of their eggs. In 1951, the nēnē population was estimated at only 30 birds. A small population was reintroduced at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in 1991. Approximately 1,700 nēnē exist in the wild today. The species is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The nēnē is extremely vulnerable to predation by introduced animals like rats, dogs, cats, mongooses, and pigs. In more recent studies, research shows that continuing decline of the nēnē population in the wild can be attributed to low productivity, perhaps caused by the poor available nutrition in their habitat.

Habitat

Nēnē frequent scrubland, grassland, golf courses, sparsely vegetated slopes and on Kaua‘i, in open lowland country. The nēnē does not appear to need fresh water but will use it when available.

Feeding Habits

The nēnē's vegetarian diet consists of seeds of grasses and herbs as well as leaves, buds, flowers and fruits of various plants such as naupaka kahakai.

Breeding

The breeding season is from October to February. Their nests are down-lined and usually well concealed under shrubs. The nēnē seem to prefer nesting in the same nest area. Two to five white eggs are usually laid and the incubation period is 30 days. The goslings are flightless for about 11 to 14 weeks after hatching. Family groups stay together until the next breeding season.

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