Hawaiians reportedly chose the Elepaio as their official territorial bird at one time. This bird has been described as a “hoary-raced flycatcher.” But the Hawaiian goose was officially adopted on May 7, 1957. Actually, lawmakers adopted the “nene,” which is the native Hawaiian name for the Hawaiian goose. They specified the scientific name “Nesochen sandwicensis or Bernicata sandwicensis.” (“Sandwicensis” is another way of saying “Hawaii,” which was once known as the Sandwich Islands.)
A Rare Symbol
Scientists believe that the nene evolved from Canada geese that flew to Hawaii long ago. Today it is the world’s rarest goose. Its feet show a marked reduction in webbing. This is an adaptation to its habitat?rugged lava flows!
It is estimated that 25,000 nenes once lived in Hawaii. They began to decrease shortly after the islands were discovered. The birds were affected by hunting, habitat loss, and many other human impacts. Such introduced predators as mongooses, dogs, cats, and pigs also took a toll. By 1952, less than 30 nenes survived!
Steps were taken to help the nene recover. Some were captured and bred in captivity. Others were captured on the “Big Island,” Hawaii, and released on Maui. Many early writers reported that nenes once lived on Maui as well as Hawaii.
Statehood
In 1959, Hawaii became the fiftieth state. But the hibiscus and nene were still the territorial flower and bird. That’s why they were readopted on June 6, 1988.
The Conservation Council of Hawaii sponsored the nene, which was also supported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, The Wildlife Society, and the Sportsmen’s Council of Hawaii.
The bill was amended to add macrons above each e. This was considered especially important since the Hawaiian language is considered one of Hawaii’s official languages. The bill also reflects the fact that the nene’s scientific name had changed to Branta sandwicensis.
Today, the nene remains the only state bird that is native to only one state.
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