adult; no strong sexual dimorphism (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)
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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.
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pair; distinctively "ridged" creamy neck feathers (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)
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black face, crown, and tail (Zoo; 2008-09-18)
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barring on sides, wings, and across back (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)
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pair on the alert (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)
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courtship crooning by the bird on the left (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)
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in flight (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08)
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strutting their stuff (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08) |
swimming (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08) |
posing for a head portrait (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-08) |
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