Hawaiian Goose or Nene (Nay-Nay)

The Nene is a native Hawaiian goose that lives in the wild on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. This rare state bird is believed to have descended from the Canada Goose, and, isolated on these islands for thousands of years, it evolved into a distinct species. Reduced webbing of the foot and a ruffle-feathered neck are characteristic of this bird. Living in patches of meadow bounded by lava, the Nene thrives on a diet of berries and grasses. By the mid-1940s, when Hawaii’s wild Nene population was less than 50 birds, an international effort centered in England was begun to save the species from extinction. As of 1975, over 1400 birds had been released on Maui and Hawaii; of these, 391 were set free in Haleakala National Park. Additional young were being reared in two holding pens, where a critical factor in the project was to imprint them to the elevation and climate. Through the dedication of many concerned individuals, the Nene was temporarily saved.

Olinda, Hawaii · United States