The Miami MetroZoo is a cageless zoo where animals roam in settings similar to their natural habitats. It is the only zoo in the United States in a subtropical climate and is one of my favorite places to visit.
Today was a very quick visit . . . thunder started rolling in while I was in the aviary, which made for a very quick exit.
Today was a very quick visit . . . thunder started rolling in while I was in the aviary, which made for a very quick exit.
![Denise > Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) [male] (May 30, 2009)
The Mandarin Duck is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck. During molting periods when the Mandarin sheds its feathers, the males resemble females but can be distinguished by the red bill.
The Mandarin was known and revered in Asia well before the birth of Christ. Westerners were quick to discover them when they began to visit that area of the world -- captive Mandarins were brought to Europe as early as the 1700s.
Mandarin Ducks are frequently featured in Oriental art and are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity.](http://newenglander.smugmug.com/Travel/Florida-Miami-MetroZoo/Miami-MetroZoo-May-30-2009/IMG9482/550109214_exGGH-Ti.jpg "Denise > Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) [male] (May 30, 2009)
The Mandarin Duck is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck. During molting periods when the Mandarin sheds its feathers, the males resemble females but can be distinguished by the red bill.
The Mandarin was known and revered in Asia well before the birth of Christ. Westerners were quick to discover them when they began to visit that area of the world -- captive Mandarins were brought to Europe as early as the 1700s.
Mandarin Ducks are frequently featured in Oriental art and are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity.")
![Denise > White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) [juvenile] (May 30, 2009)
The White-cheeked Pintail is a native of the West Indies and South America. It is a rare to casual visitor in southern Florida. Found near rivers, lakes, and ponds as well as costal marshes and rocky or sandy seashore.](http://newenglander.smugmug.com/Travel/Florida-Miami-MetroZoo/Miami-MetroZoo-May-30-2009/IMG9483/550109712_Rk4kQ-Ti.jpg "Denise > White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) [juvenile] (May 30, 2009)
The White-cheeked Pintail is a native of the West Indies and South America. It is a rare to casual visitor in southern Florida. Found near rivers, lakes, and ponds as well as costal marshes and rocky or sandy seashore.")
![Denise > Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) [juvenile] (May 30, 2009)
A large diving duck with a long thin bill, the Common Merganser is found along large lakes and rivers across the northern hemisphere. The long bill has toothy projections along its edges that help the duck hold onto its slippery fish prey.](http://newenglander.smugmug.com/Travel/Florida-Miami-MetroZoo/Miami-MetroZoo-May-30-2009/IMG9486/550111076_SbPL3-Ti.jpg "Denise > Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) [juvenile] (May 30, 2009)
A large diving duck with a long thin bill, the Common Merganser is found along large lakes and rivers across the northern hemisphere. The long bill has toothy projections along its edges that help the duck hold onto its slippery fish prey.")
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