Nene

Identification

The nene is a large goose standing 41 cm (16 in) tall, with males averaging slightly larger than females. Adults are distinctively marked with a black head and hindneck contrasting sharply with buff cheeks. The most striking feature is the heavily furrowed neck bearing bold black and white diagonal stripes. The bill, legs, and feet are black, and soft feathers accent the chin. A unique adaptation to the Hawaiian volcanic landscape is the reduced webbing on its feet, which recedes farther back from the toes than in typical Branta geese, allowing the bird to walk more comfortably on cooled lava. Young goslings resemble adults but are noticeably duller brown with less distinct color demarcation and much-reduced striping and barring.

Range & Habitat

Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, the nene is today found exclusively in the wild on Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi, though a pair recently reestablished on Oʻahu at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. Historically, the species inhabited seven islands. The nene inhabits shrubland, grassland, coastal dunes, and lava plains, as well as anthropogenic habitats such as pasture and golf courses, ranging from sea level to elevations as high as 2,400 m (7,900 ft). Some populations traditionally migrated seasonally between lowland breeding grounds and montane foraging areas.

Behaviour & Diet

Despite spending most of its time on the ground, the nene is capable of flight, with some individuals flying daily between nesting and feeding areas. The species mates on land, unusual among waterfowl. Breeding occurs from August to April—the longest breeding season of any goose—with most eggs laid between November and January. Females build nests in sites of their choosing and lay one to five eggs, incubating them for 29 to 32 days while males stand guard. Precocial goslings can feed themselves and remain with parents until the next breeding season.

The nene is strictly herbivorous, grazing and browsing depending on vegetation availability. Its diet consists of the leaves, seeds, fruit, and flowers of grasses and shrubs.

Best Time & Places to See It

Observers hoping to see nene should visit Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, or Hawaiʻi, where the species is now successfully reestablished. Notable reintroduction sites include Haleakalā and Piʻiholo ranches on Maui. Breeding occurs from August to April, making this an excellent period for viewing family groups. The species' use of golf courses and other accessible habitats increases opportunities for encounters.

Photography Tips

The nene's distinctive head and neck markings provide excellent subjects for close-up photography. The black and white striped neck pattern is particularly striking against the buff cheeks. Look for birds on open ground where volcanic habitat provides natural contrast to their plumage. Early morning on grasslands and lava plains offers good lighting. Family groups with goslings during breeding season provide compelling compositions, and the birds' relatively comfortable coexistence with humans on golf courses may offer approachable subjects.