Nēnē Geese
I photographed this handsome couple when my wonderful husband flew me to Kaua for my birthday in January 2006. These are Nēnē Geese also known as “Hawaiian Geese.” They are the official bird of the State of Hawaii. These beautiful anserine somewhat resemble Canadian Geese as you can tell by the photo. The Nēnē (meaning whimper) obtained their Hawaiian name from their soft call. However, they do “honk” with a sound similar to the call of Canadian Geese. Nēnēs are noted for their shyness. I know when I was around them, they would not let me venture near.
The Nēnē (pronounced “nay-nay”) is a land bird and exclusively found in the islands of Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaii (island). There is even a Nēnē street crossing sign in Hawaiʻi warning motorists of their “pedestrian” presence, with an illustrated representation of mother and baby—very cute.
The Nēnē is known as the world’s rarest goose—experiencing near extinction. Fortunately, protective laws were enacted. Presently, there are around 800 wild Nēnē in Hawaiʻi and the numbers are rising with each breeding season, but it is still listed on the endangered list. In 1778 when Captain Cook arrived, there were around 25,000 of these gentle, aloof birds.
The adult male (gander) has a black head and hind neck, buff cheeks and heavily furrowed neck. The neck has black and white diagonal stripes. The adult female (goose) is similar to the male in coloring but slightly smaller. Their bill, legs and feet are black. Their strong toes have much reduced webbing, God’s adaptation to the lava flows on which it breeds. The goslings are similar to the gander, but displayed in duller brown.
The Nēnē Goose breeds in the fall and winter on land, unlike most other wildfowl. She
