The story of the nene’s decline is a sad one but it may yet have a happy ending. Early visitors to the islands described the large flocks of nene geese in the interior of Hawaii, but by 1900 a great decline in numbers had occurred and in 1940 the entire population was estimated at 30 to 50 wild birds. Clearing of the land, introduction of such exotic mammals as rats, pigs, dogs, and mongooses, and man himself through hunting—all must share the blame for the nene decimation. Happily, the State of Hawaii has taken vigorous recognition of this situation and a restoration program was begun in 1949. The plan is to study the remaining wild birds to learn how the decimating factors may be controlled. Also nene raised in captivity have been released on Mauna Loa to intermix with the wild flocks, and it is hoped that some day visitors to Hawaii will again be assured of seeing these wonderful geese.
[Illustration: PHOTO BY GEORGE C. RUHLE _Nene Nest_]
IO _Buteo solitarius_ (also Hawaiian hawk)
DESCRIPTION: 16″-18″. The only hawklike bird to be seen on the islands, except for accidental migrants. This small _Buteo_ has both light and dark color phases. Can be distinguished from the Pueo, Hawaii’s diurnal owl, by a smaller head and more soaring flight.
PARK DISTRIBUTION: Found only on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea—Occasional throughout the park. Individuals are often seen soaring around the forested craters such as Kilauea Iki and Makaopuhi, or in the more open areas such as along the Mauna Loa Strip road.
VOICE: A medium-pitched, but fairly soft, scream.
The io is certainly one of the rarest hawks in the world, as its range is limited to the island of Hawaii, and even here it is not common. It feeds on rats, mice, and large insects and spiders, and occasionally will catch birds, but today birds comprise a minor part of the diet. It tends to be tamer than mainland hawks, perhaps because it has not been harassed as much in recent years, and sometimes you can approach a perched io quite closely. Because of its rodent diet, the io is a very beneficial bird to Hawaii.
[Illustration: _California quail (male and female)_]
CALIFORNIA QUAIL _Lophortyx californicus_
DESCRIPTION: 9½″-10½″. The distinctive _curved head plume_ identifies this plump quail. Males have a black and white face pattern beneath the brown crown, while females are duller and lack the striking facial pattern. The bill is short and black.