ExploreBirds

Hawaiian Goose

Branta sandvicensis

The Hawaiian Goose, also known as the Nene, is a special bird that lives in Hawaii. It has a unique, soft honking sound and loves to waddle around on the ground, making it a fun sight to see!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Hawaiian Goose has a dark brown body with a black head and neck, accented by distinctive cream-colored cheeks. Its deeply furrowed neck feathers give it a unique striped appearance. Unlike most geese, it has reduced webbing on its feet, adapted for walking across rocky terrain.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusBranta
Hawaiian Goose
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Hawaiian Goose

Category

Birds

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its soft "honk" sounds more like a gentle moo than a loud goose call!

Scientists believe its ancestors flew all the way from Canada!

The Hawaiian Goose is the rarest goose in the world! It almost went extinct.

Unlike most geese, it rarely swims and prefers walking on land.

Special abilities

Ability

Lava-Proof Feet

Hawaiian Goose has uniquely less webbed feet that help them grip and walk easily over rough, uneven volcanic terrain.

Ability

Endurance Walker

Hawaiian Goose can journey long distances on land because its strong legs are perfectly adapted for hiking across varied Hawaiian landscapes.

Ability

Brackish Water Sipper

Hawaiian Goose can drink slightly salty water, helping them find hydration in coastal areas where freshwater sources are limited.

Measurements & details

Length
53-66 cm
Wingspan
100-130 cm
Weight
1.5-3 kg
Lifespan
8-20 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-5
Incubation
29-32 days

Diet & Feeding

The Hawaiian Goose loves to munch on many different plants found on its island home.

Primary Foods

  • grasses
  • leaves
  • seeds
  • berries
  • flowers
  • ferns

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Small Indian Mongoose

Herpestes javanicus

Introduced mongoose prey on Nene eggs and young goslings.

eaten by

Feral Cat

Felis catus

Feral cats hunt Nene goslings and sometimes adult birds.

eats

Bermuda Grass

Cynodon dactylon

Nenes graze on Bermuda grass, a common food source in their habitat.

eats

'Akala (Hawaiian Raspberry)

Rubus hawaiensis

Nenes forage for the berries and leaves of 'Akala plants.

Traits

Also known as

Nene

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Hawaiian Goose?

53-66 cm

What is Hawaiian Goose's wingspan?

100-130 cm

How much does Hawaiian Goose weigh?

1.5-3 kg

How long does Hawaiian Goose live?

8-20 years

How fast can Hawaiian Goose move?

60 km/h

What does Hawaiian Goose eat?

The Hawaiian Goose loves to munch on many different plants found on its island home.

Where is Hawaiian Goose usually found?

Grasslands

How does Hawaiian Goose hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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