Hawaiian goose
Branta sandvicensis
Dutch: Hawaiigans
German: Hawaiigans
French: Bernache des îles Sandwich
The Hawaiian state bird, the Nene, the only surviving Hawaiian goose, is still endangered by predators. In 1950, only 30 were left in wild on the Hawaiian Islands! But thanks to the Wildfowl Trust in England they are making a comeback from the edge of extinction. Now there are about 800 to 900 geese in the wild. They have lost a great deal of webbing in its feet, and is perfectly at home away from water. It provides better usage in their environment, such as walking more easily on lava slopes. They are herbivorous (like all geese), eating grass, seeds, leaves and fruits.
Nene are quite unlike any other species in the genus Branta. It has evolved to adapt to the volcanic areas that contain little water, therefore, the feet are only partially webbed. The sexes are similar, both having yellowish-buff cheeks, black face and head, deep, dark neck furrows and a overall grayish-brown body. The bill, feet and legs are dark gray to black.
This species adapts and breeds very well in confinement. The clutch size is rather small, only between 2 to 5 eggs are laid early in the year. Incubation is done by the hen for 30 days. The goslings are cared for by both parents and grow slower than most other species of geese, not fledging until they are about 3 months old.
Immature Nene resemble the adults, but are duller and have a grayer neck. They may not breed until they are two years old. Pairs maybe somewhat aggressive towards other species during the breeding season, and may need to be housed apart from other species.
Nene do great in captivity and since they are more of an upland bird, do not need a large source of water. Despite being native to Hawaii, Nene are hardy and can withstand the cold temperatures during the Winter.
© Jan Harteman / Harteman Wildfowl / www.harteman.nl
