adult; no strong sexual dimorphism (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)


Nene
Branta sandvicensis

Native Range: Pacific Ocean Region (namely, Hawaii)

Notes: this endangered species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, and is Hawaii's official state bird; the birds' ancestors probably arrived on these islands about 500,000 years ago, shortly after the islands were formed; that ancestor also gave rise to another endemic but larger-sized Hawaiian goose species that was almost flightless and is now extinct; the Nene is an herbivore that grazes on grasslands ranging from rugged mountainsides to manicured golf courses.


pair; distinctively "ridged" creamy neck feathers (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

black face, crown, and tail (Zoo; 2008-09-18)

barring on sides, wings, and across back (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

pair on the alert (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

courtship crooning by the bird on the left (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

in flight (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

strutting their stuff (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

swimming (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)

posing for a head portrait (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)