Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis)
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Abstract
Evolving in the remote Hawaiian Archipelago and having the smallest range of any living goose, the Hawaiian Goose, or better known by its Hawaiian name—Nënë, is among the most isolated, sedentary, and threatened of waterfowl. The Nënë is also highly terrestrial, and several structural features demonstrate its adaptation to life on islands with limited freshwater habitat: It stands taller and more upright than geese of similar weight, enabling it to reach high to browse the fruits, seeds, and foliage that constitute its herbivorous diet; its legs and padded toes are long and strong, promoting swift, sure walking and running over rugged terrain; webbing is reduced between the toes; and though it is a capable swimmer and readily uses freshwater habitats when available, the Nënë does not require freshwater or oceanic habitats in the same way that many other waterfowl do.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Organization Series |
| Title | Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis) |
| Series title | Birds of North America |
| Series number | No. 434 |
| DOI | 10.2173/bna.434 |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | The Academy of Natural Sciences |
| Publisher location | Philadelphia, PA and Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |