The nene, or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandwicensis) was designated the official state bird of Hawaii in 1957. The nene seldom swims and is not bothered by predators or cold temperatures, so they do not fly as much and their wings are weak compared to other geese. Today the Nene has feet that are only half as webbed as other geese, and longer toes for climbing on the rocky hawaiian surfaces.