Nēnē

Nēnē, also called the Hawaiian Goose, common name for a rare goose native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is named for its two syllable nasal bark, nay nay. The nēnē is the state bird of Hawaii. Unlike other geese the nēnē does not need to live near a body of water, but rather lives on the high, rocky volcanic slopes of the islands Hawaii and Maui. Some nēnē can live to be over 30 years of age.

The nēnē is a small goose measuring 56 to 71 cm (22 to 28 in) in length. The adult plumage is similar to that of the Canada goose—a brownish body with buff linings and a white belly. It has a black head set off by a buff area that covers the cheeks and the throat. The nēnē eats a variety of native herbs, berries, and other plants, and depends on these foods to supply its water.

In October through April nēnē separate from the flock in monogamous pairs. The female builds a sparse nest usually beneath a bush and lines it with feathers that she plucks from her breast. She lays three to six eggs at two-day intervals and incubates, or warms, them by sitting on them for about 30 days until they hatch. The male remains nearby and defends the nest during incubation. The young first fly about 10 to 12 weeks after hatching but remain with their parents for a full year. Once the breeding season ends, the nēnē reassemble into a larger flock.

Formerly abundant, the nēnē faced extinction in 1947 when the population dropped to an estimated 50 individuals. Introduced mammals such as the Indian mongoose prey upon nēnē eggs and young. In response to this threat, a captive breeding program was established to restore the nēnē to its original numbers.

Scientific classification: The nēnē is a member of the duck family, Anatidae, in the order Anseriformes, and is classified as Branta sandvicensis.