Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 33

Hawaiian goose

A rare goose, native to the uplands of Hawaii (Branta sandvicensis); wings short; feet with reduced webbing; eats fruit and herbs; also known as nene. There were less than 50 individuals in 1950, but captive breeding has increased this number to more than 2000. (Family: Anatidae.)

iHawaiian Goose

Conservation status

Vulnerable (VU)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Branta
Species: B. sandvicensis
Binomial name
Branta sandvicensis
(Vigors, 1833)

The Hawaiian Goose or Nēnē, Branta sandvicensis, is a species of goose endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.


The distinctive neck pattern

A group of Nēnē;

User Comments Add a comment…

hawfinch [next]