Hawaii's State Bird: The Nene Goose

The largest native land bird on the islands, the Nene is the state bird of the Hawaii. Though it is most commonly known by its Polynesian name, the Nene is also sometimes called the Hawaiian Goose or the Lava Goose. It is the only waterfowl exclusively adapted for life on lava flows with longer, stronger legs and almost non-existent webbing on their toes to increase their agility. In fact, Nenes and Magpie Geese are the only two waterfowl with greatly reduced webbing on their feet to the point of being nearly non-web-footed. Thus, the Nenes are better suited for their life along the rough and uneven volcanic slopes.

Despite their close relation to the Canada goose, Nenes are distinct among the northern geese for their sedentary lifestyle. They are non-migratory and, in fact, are less inclined to fly than any other goose. Because their breeding season is not triggered by a lengthening photoperiod, their breeding season is very long (August to April) and they have the longest incubation period (29-30 days) of any goose. Even though goslings are quite large upon hatching, they are slow growers, and their mortality rate is the highest of all geese.

Although their highland habitat is can be quite humid with clouds and dew, water is often only available in small, temporary pools and so this goose is not a very adept swimmer. They prefer to browse shrub-like vegetation and their upright body structure allows them to reach quite high.

Physically, these birds appear quite alert and inquisitive. Their dark faces contrast with their buff colored necks that are deeply furrowed by the feathers on their neck, which gives it the appearance of dark, wavy stripes. Their softly spoken "ne" vocalizations, quickly capture visitors’ attention at the Park and they often race up to visitors, hoping for a hand-out of duck food, or some potatoes, which they occasionally receive as a treat from the Animal Staff.

This delightful goose was on the edge of extinction by 1949, with only 20 to 30 birds remaining in the wild and less than 20 in captivity. As with many endangered species, uncontrolled hunting pressure and the introduction of non-native predators quickly took its toll on the population. However, careful management and propagation of captive birds and release programs have greatly helped this species to survive.

Today, Nenes remain at risk, however, the future seems brighter thanks to the efforts of private breeders and their collaboration with waterfowl organizations and researchers.

*To learn more about this great bird, check out Frank Todd’s Natural History of Waterfowl, from which most of this information was pulled.

White-faced Whistling Ducks

There are eight clearly defined whistling-ducks in the world today. I say clearly defined because, due to some anatomical and behavioral similarities, the African white-backed duck is considered a close relative.

For now, I’d like to introduce you to a species that is found in both our South American and African aviaries. The white-faced whistling duck can be easily recognized from other waterfowl species thanks to their (surprise!) white face, black nape and distinctive whistle-like calls. Only the fulvous whistling-ducks’ distribution can compete with the white-faces’, whose range includes most of South America, Africa and Madagascar. They inhabit open wetlands – not forests or wooded areas – and prefer to perch on flat land surfaces instead of trees.

White-faced whistling-ducks have stable numbers in the wild. In fact, they often gather in huge flocks of thousands of birds on the S.A. llanos. During the rainy season, the white-face tend to make their nests in the long grasses and reeds in marshlands, though they will occasionally use tree hollows or low forks. Parents are very protective of their young, often feigning injury to lead potential predators away from their offspring.

All whistling-ducks are basically built the same with slender, almost upright bodies and long, lanky legs. Although some species do comfortably perch in trees (hence the name "tree-duck,") others rarely do. But all the species, however, are very vocal and do have distinctive, high-pitched "whistle-like" calls. These melodic vocalizations have endeared them to aviculturists, and all eight species have been bred in captive collections.

On your next visit to the Park, be sure to stop in either the South American or African aviary and take a few minutes to find these personable birds!

Is it a Goose....or a Duck?

The African pygmy-goose is arguably the most beautiful waterfowl on the planet. Contrary to its name, the pygmy-goose is actually a duck, though it is named for its goose-like bill. Both males and females have rust-colored bodies with rich green wing feathers. However, male African pygmy-geese, like the one featured in our blog header, have a clearly defined head pattern with shades of green on the cap and neck, a stark white face that emphasizes their black eyes, and a bright yellow bill. Females, on the other hand, have a more "dirty" face, the white being darker with smudges of dark feathers and a bill that is a more muted yellow and black.

Considered the smallest of Africa’s waterfowl, these birds are rarely seen on land. Their short legs are better suited for swimming, though they can often be found perched on logs or branches, and frequently roost in trees. African pygmy-geese (Nettapus auritus) inhabit lakes and lagoons heavy with vegetation such as water lilies and other submerged aquatic plants on which they feed. They use their tapered bills for stripping the seeds and clipping the leaves, flowers and buds of water lilies and other aquatic plants.

Despite their size, pygmy-geese are incredibly strong and agile fliers, easily taking flight directly from the water’s surface. Their high-pitched whistles are distinct yet delicate, and are often uttered while flying.

They nest in tree hollows (sometimes as high as 60 feet!) and on your next visit to Sylvan Heights, you can see palm logs with hollows that have been placed around the African Aviary to encourage these birds to breed.