When visiting Hawaii, you may notice sounds from the nēnē (pronounced nay-nay). Nēnē, also called Hawaiian geese, descend from the Canadian Goose. In 1957, the Nēnē became the state bird of Hawaii.
Did you know? There was once a species of giant nēnē called nēnē-nui. The nēnē-nui was nearly four feet tall and weighed 20 pounds!
The nēnē is the only endemic (native) goose species in Hawaii. Sadly, the other eight species are extinct.
Did you know? Approximately 32 species of birds have gone extinct in Hawaii since 1778.
NOTE: It is unlawful to touch, feed, harass, or chase the Nēnē. Nēnē are protected and each Nēnē is banded.
Looks
Adult nēnē bodies are usually dark brown. The face, crown, eyes, beak, and feet are black, while the cheeks are cream-colored and the neck is buff with black streaks. Compared with other geese, Nēnē have longer legs and less toe webbing which helps them walk on Hawaii’s lava terrain.
Did you know? Hawaiian goose is monomorphic. This means that both males and females look the same. In other bird species, males have brilliantly colored plumage compared to females.
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