Hawaiian Goose Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Hawaiian Goose is a medium-sized goose with a small head, short bill, and long, sturdy legs. Its neck feathers have deep furrows, creating a unique grooved appearance.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Hawaiian Duck and smaller than most Canada Geese.

  goose-sized or larger

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 24.8-27.2 in (63-69 cm)
    • Weight: 59.1-107.6 oz (1675-3050 g)

• Color Pattern

  Hawaiian Geese are dark brown above, with extensive white feather edging; underparts are light brown with some dark barring. The head is mostly black, with a large cream-colored cheek patch; and the neck is light with black grooves.

• Behavior

  Hawaiian Geese are terrestrial—they feed, court, mate, take off from, and land on dry ground. They use their partially webbed feet and long, powerful legs to walk on lava beds and other difficult terrain to feed on the leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Hawaiian Geese fly more weakly than Canada Geese but can fly strongly when needed.

• Habitat

  Hawaiian Geese use natural and human-altered habitats from sea level to alpine areas. They are at home on golf courses and pastures as well as native shrub-grasslands. On Hawaii and Maui, many Hawaiian Geese nest and forage in grassy shrublands or sparsely vegetated lava flows.