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The Nene, also known as the Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis), is a species in the Anatidae family. The name "nene" comes from its call. The Hawaiian Goose is thought to have evolved from the closely related Canada Goose. The Nene measures 50 to 70 cm in length and 105 to 135 cm in wingspan, and weighs 1.4-2.5 kg. The upperparts are brown with whitish feather margins, the belly is grey, the neck and the cheeks are whitish with thin dark strikings and the head, feet and bill are black. The mostly dry environment this bird lives in has led to a reduction of the foot membrane. The sexes are similar, though the female is smaller than the male and somewhat duller in colour. The Nene is a non-migratory, gregarious, monogamous goose that nests on the ground. It breeds once a year, laying a clutch of 3-5 eggs which it incubates for 7-29 days. The Nene is predominantly herbivorous, feeding mostly on weeds and leaves, but occasionally eating fruit, berries, insects and spiders as well. This bird may live up to 30 years in captivity. A bird endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago, the Nene is found only on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Moloka'i, and Kauai. A pair arrived on the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oʻahu in January of 2014, and their two offspring can regularly be seen near golf courses at Turtle Bay Resort. Less aquatic than most geese, the Nene spends a lot of time foraging on open areas. The introduction of non-native mammals to the Hawaii islands has severely impacted the population of this bird, which is now rare in the wild (although pretty common in captivity). Despite the Nene being considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, however, its wild population currently seems to be growing.

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