Did you see a banded nēnē?
Be respectful when taking photos of Nēnē.
Collecting photo-identification data from banded nēnē is a non-invasive and respectful way to research this species. This method involves taking photos of the nēnē from a distance making sure to capture clear photos of the bands on their legs. This may involve using a telephoto lens to capture photos of the nene from a distance or using binoculars and writing down the band numbers separately. Nēnē are protected by State and Federal law so it is vital that you do not closely approach and disturb them. We recommend following local rules and regulations when photographing nēnē which includes staying at least 60 feet away in National Parks and State and Federal Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Hawaiʻi Endangered Species Rule: It is illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect nene, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Under Section 703, nēnē are protected from harassment, which is defined as an intentional or negligent act or omission that significantly disrupts the normal behavioral patterns of the bird, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering, and creates a likelihood of injury or harm.
What we can learn from these bands?
Nēnē in Hawaiʻi can have two types of leg bands: a small metal United States Geological Survey (USGS) band and a larger, colored Darvic (Auxiliary) band with a unique 2-3 alphanumeric code, along with band/text color combinations. From a photo of a banded nēnē, we can determine where and when that nēnē was banded and whether anyone else has reported it to us. When the gender of a bird can be determined while being banded, males will generally have the colored band on their right foot and females will have it on their left.
Bands can become damaged or lost over time. On Hawaiʻi Island we estimate that 14% (n=96) of banded nēnē have lost their auxiliary band with another 5% (n=31) being damaged.
What do the different band colors mean?
Band colors generally refer to the location (island) where the nene was banded.
Kauaʻi
Blue
Orange
Yellow
Maui
Yellow
Gray
Hawaiʻi
Gray/White
Red
Green
Yellow