Miami MetroZoo / September 1, 2008

Wings of Asia

Nestled among a canopy of some of the most beautiful trees in the world is Zoo Miami’s American Bankers Family Aviary - Wings of Asia, an array of buildings and exhibits that will enable visitors to learn all about Asian birds, aquatic life, dinosaurs, fossils, and much more! Guests will also be able to walk through the one-and-one-half acre free-flight aviary - the largest Asian aviary in the western hemisphere – which houses around 85 species and approximately 400 of the most exotic, colorful, and vocal Asian birds. With lakes and waterfalls throughout, birds flying and walking around your feet, you will feel transported to another land – a land of peace, quiet, meditation, and tranquility hard to find any place else.

Wings of Asia

Nestled among a canopy of some of the most beautiful trees in the world is Zoo Miami’s American Bankers Family Aviary - Wings of Asia, an array of buildings and exhibits that will enable visitors to learn all about Asian birds, aquatic life, dinosaurs, fossils, and much more! Guests will also be able to walk through the one-and-one-half acre free-flight aviary - the largest Asian aviary in the western hemisphere – which houses around 85 species and approximately 400 of the most exotic, colorful, and vocal Asian birds. With lakes and waterfalls throughout, birds flying and walking around your feet, you will feel transported to another land – a land of peace, quiet, meditation, and tranquility hard to find any place else.

Red-crested Pochard [male]

The male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks. Females are brown with pale cheeks. In flight, they show whitish primaries.The Red-crested Pochard is larger than a Common Pochard (Aythya ferina).They dive, dabble and up-end for their food. Red-crested Pochards are the only ducks known to engage in a feeding ritual whereby the male dives and brings food offerings to his mate while she swims on the surface.

Ruddy Duck [male]

The Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), a member of the tribe of "stiff-tailed ducks," has a spiky tail that it often holds straight up in display.

Cape Teal

Cape Teal (Anas capensis)

Cape Teal

Cape Teal (Anas capensis)

Cape Teal

Cape Teal (Anas capensis)

Double-wattled Cassowary

I was so excited when I heard that the zoo had acquired one of these birds. I had seen them on television and was fascinated. This Cassowary has not been out in "public" for very long so he's still a bit shy. He was eating when I first got there. I got him again on my way out but he was not looking "out." The Double-wattled Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), found in New Guinea and northern Australia, is one of the largest birds in the world. Weighing as much as 128 pounds, only the ostrich is heavier. Flightless birds, Cassowaries are covered in coarse black feathers, with the exception of the skin on the head and throat which is brightly colored red and blue. One of the Cassowary's most distinguishing features is the large protuberance on the top of its head called the casque. It is believed that the casque assists the Cassowary in pushing through the dense tropical forest vegetation, and may also provide some sort of protection. In captivity, Cassowaries have been observed using their casques like a shovel to search for food on the ground. It is believed that the size of the casque may indicate dominance and age, since the casque continues to grow throughout the life of the bird. Another distinguishing feature of the Cassowaries is their wattles. Wattles are present in two of the three species of Cassowary. These brilliantly colored folds of skin hang from the bird's neck, and may act as social signals in the dark forest.Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: The site indicates that this bird is Least Concern; however, further down on the page, it shows it still as Vulnerable as of 2017.]

Double-wattled Cassowary

I was so excited when I heard that the zoo had acquired one of these birds. I had seen them on television and was fascinated. This Cassowary has not been out in "public" for very long so he's still a bit shy. He was eating when I first got there. I got him again on my way out but he was not looking "out." The Double-wattled Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), found in New Guinea and northern Australia, is one of the largest birds in the world. Weighing as much as 128 pounds, only the ostrich is heavier. Flightless birds, Cassowaries are covered in coarse black feathers, with the exception of the skin on the head and throat which is brightly colored red and blue. One of the Cassowary's most distinguishing features is the large protuberance on the top of its head called the casque. It is believed that the casque assists the Cassowary in pushing through the dense tropical forest vegetation, and may also provide some sort of protection. In captivity, Cassowaries have been observed using their casques like a shovel to search for food on the ground. It is believed that the size of the casque may indicate dominance and age, since the casque continues to grow throughout the life of the bird. Another distinguishing feature of the Cassowaries is their wattles. Wattles are present in two of the three species of Cassowary. These brilliantly colored folds of skin hang from the bird's neck, and may act as social signals in the dark forest.Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: The site indicates that this bird is Least Concern; however, further down on the page, it shows it still as Vulnerable as of 2017.]

Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [male]

The Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [male] (Aythya nyroca) breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. The adult male is a rich chestnut color with a darker back and a yellow eye. The pure white undertail helps to distinguish this species from the somewhat similar Tufted Duck. The female is similar but duller, and with a dark eye. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [male]

The Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [male] (Aythya nyroca) breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. The adult male is a rich chestnut color with a darker back and a yellow eye. The pure white undertail helps to distinguish this species from the somewhat similar Tufted Duck. The female is similar but duller, and with a dark eye. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [female]

The Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [male] (Aythya nyroca) breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. The adult male is a rich chestnut color with a darker back and a yellow eye. The pure white undertail helps to distinguish this species from the somewhat similar Tufted Duck. The female is similar but duller, and with a dark eye. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [female]

The Ferruginous White-eyed Duck [male] (Aythya nyroca) breeds in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory and winter farther south and into north Africa. The adult male is a rich chestnut color with a darker back and a yellow eye. The pure white undertail helps to distinguish this species from the somewhat similar Tufted Duck. The female is similar but duller, and with a dark eye. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Green-winged Dove

Green-winged Dove (Chalcophaps indica robinsoni) aka Emerald Dove, Green-backed Dove, Little Green Pigeon, and many more . . .

Mandarin Duck [drake in eclipse plumage]

The Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) 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.

Masked Lapwing

The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) is a large, ground-dwelling bird that is closely related to the waders. They are unmistakable in both appearance and voice, which is a loud "kekekekekekekek." Today is the first time I heard the male making an incredible screech. Apparently, the female was ready to lay an egg. Since they really don't build nests and she lays it just about anywhere, I guess he felt that the area he was protecting was going to be the "birthing" area and no other bird was allowed in that area.

Masked Lapwing

The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) is a large, ground-dwelling bird that is closely related to the waders. They are unmistakable in both appearance and voice, which is a loud "kekekekekekekek." Today is the first time I heard the male making an incredible screech. Apparently, the female was ready to lay an egg. Since they really don't build nests and she lays it just about anywhere, I guess he felt that the area he was protecting was going to be the "birthing" area and no other bird was allowed in that area.

Masked Lapwing

The Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) is a large, ground-dwelling bird that is closely related to the waders. They are unmistakable in both appearance and voice, which is a loud "kekekekekekekek." Today is the first time I heard the male making an incredible screech. Apparently, the female was ready to lay an egg. Since they really don't build nests and she lays it just about anywhere, I guess he felt that the area he was protecting was going to be the "birthing" area and no other bird was allowed in that area.

Sarus Crane

The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) mates for life. The bond is so strong, these birds are a symbol of marital fidelity in many Asian cultures. As with many other crane species, the saurus crane performs a courtship dance mainly during the breeding season. They bow and curtsy, opening up their wings and throwing back their head as they utter their trumpeting call. Found in the wetlands of northern India and Indo China, these birds require large, open, well-watered plains or marshes to breed and survive. Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Oriental Magpie Robin

The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a native species in Singapore, where it is known by the Malay names Kampung/Cerang. Once very common in the 1920s, it was pushed to near extinction by the 1970s, largely due to the introduction of mynahs, illegal poaching, and the disappearance of its natural habitat in the face of rapid urbanization. Attempts to reintroduce the bird were conducted in the 1980s, but the species remains vulnerable and hence protected by law. It is a commonly found species in Hong Kong and Bangladesh, where it is the national bird.

Oriental Magpie Robin

The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a native species in Singapore, where it is known by the Malay names Kampung/Cerang. Once very common in the 1920s, it was pushed to near extinction by the 1970s, largely due to the introduction of mynahs, illegal poaching, and the disappearance of its natural habitat in the face of rapid urbanization. Attempts to reintroduce the bird were conducted in the 1980s, but the species remains vulnerable and hence protected by law. It is a commonly found species in Hong Kong and Bangladesh, where it is the national bird.

Oriental Magpie Robin

The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) is a native species in Singapore, where it is known by the Malay names Kampung/Cerang. Once very common in the 1920s, it was pushed to near extinction by the 1970s, largely due to the introduction of mynahs, illegal poaching, and the disappearance of its natural habitat in the face of rapid urbanization. Attempts to reintroduce the bird were conducted in the 1980s, but the species remains vulnerable and hence protected by law. It is a commonly found species in Hong Kong and Bangladesh, where it is the national bird.

Javan Pond Heron [breeding plummage]

Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa)

Javan Pond Heron [breeding plummage]

Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa)

Javan Pond Heron [breeding plummage]

Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa)

Orange-bellied Fruit Dove

Orange-bellied Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus iozonus)

Orange-bellied Fruit Dove

Orange-bellied Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus iozonus)

Pied Imperial Pigeon

The Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) is a large plump pigeon, 14-17.6 inches length, with an 18-inch wingspan. It is entirely white or pale cream, apart from black flight feathers (remiges) and tail (rectrices) feathers. The head can be brown, soiled by eating fruit. Its flight is fast and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general. Males that display fly steeply up, pause, tip forward and then glide downwards. This is an arboreal dove, feeding almost exclusively on fruit. Calls made by the birds are a deep "mrrrooooo", "roo-ca-hoo" and "up-ooooo." The birds were once present in large colonies in Cairns, Australia but were subject to mass slaughter in the 19th Century because they were thought as pests. The population is now slowly improving because of their protected status in Australia.

Pied Imperial Pigeon

The Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) is a large plump pigeon, 14-17.6 inches length, with an 18-inch wingspan. It is entirely white or pale cream, apart from black flight feathers (remiges) and tail (rectrices) feathers. The head can be brown, soiled by eating fruit. Its flight is fast and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general. Males that display fly steeply up, pause, tip forward and then glide downwards. This is an arboreal dove, feeding almost exclusively on fruit. Calls made by the birds are a deep "mrrrooooo", "roo-ca-hoo" and "up-ooooo." The birds were once present in large colonies in Cairns, Australia but were subject to mass slaughter in the 19th Century because they were thought as pests. The population is now slowly improving because of their protected status in Australia.

Black-browed Barbet

Black-browed Barbet (Megalaima oorti)

Black-browed Barbet

Black-browed Barbet (Megalaima oorti)

Black-browed Barbet

Black-browed Barbet (Megalaima oorti)

Black-browed Barbet

Black-browed Barbet (Megalaima oorti)

Edwards's Pheasant [female]

Edwards's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was first discovered in 1895 in central Annam (now North and South Vietnam) and is endemic to that Country. All captive specimens are descended from 15 birds shipped to France in 1923. There is a small population in Vietnam, but otherwise there may be none remaining in the wild. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk. Edward's Pheasant suffered from deforestation, hunting and the use of defoliants during the Vietnam War. Status: Critically Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this beauty, it was Endangered, which is bad enough. In 2014, this beautiful bird was designated as Critically Endangered.]

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - This little guy was NOT easy to capture as he was quite the "flitter."

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - This little guy was NOT easy to capture as he was quite the "flitter."

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - This little guy was NOT easy to capture as he was quite the "flitter."

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - This little guy was NOT easy to capture as he was quite the "flitter."

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - This little guy was NOT easy to capture as he was quite the "flitter."

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - This little guy was NOT easy to capture as he was quite the "flitter."

Edwards's Pheasant [female]

Edwards's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was first discovered in 1895 in central Annam (now North and South Vietnam) and is endemic to that Country. All captive specimens are descended from 15 birds shipped to France in 1923. There is a small population in Vietnam, but otherwise there may be none remaining in the wild. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk. Edward's Pheasant suffered from deforestation, hunting and the use of defoliants during the Vietnam War. Status: Critically Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this beauty, it was Endangered, which is bad enough. In 2014, this beautiful bird was designated as Critically Endangered.]

Edwards's Pheasant [female]

Edwards's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was first discovered in 1895 in central Annam (now North and South Vietnam) and is endemic to that Country. All captive specimens are descended from 15 birds shipped to France in 1923. There is a small population in Vietnam, but otherwise there may be none remaining in the wild. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk. Edward's Pheasant suffered from deforestation, hunting and the use of defoliants during the Vietnam War. Status: Critically Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this beauty, it was Endangered, which is bad enough. In 2014, this beautiful bird was designated as Critically Endangered.]

Edwards's Pheasant [female]

Edwards's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was first discovered in 1895 in central Annam (now North and South Vietnam) and is endemic to that Country. All captive specimens are descended from 15 birds shipped to France in 1923. There is a small population in Vietnam, but otherwise there may be none remaining in the wild. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk. Edward's Pheasant suffered from deforestation, hunting and the use of defoliants during the Vietnam War. Status: Critically Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this beauty, it was Endangered, which is bad enough. In 2014, this beautiful bird was designated as Critically Endangered.]

Edwards's Pheasant [female]

Edwards's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was first discovered in 1895 in central Annam (now North and South Vietnam) and is endemic to that Country. All captive specimens are descended from 15 birds shipped to France in 1923. There is a small population in Vietnam, but otherwise there may be none remaining in the wild. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk. Edward's Pheasant suffered from deforestation, hunting and the use of defoliants during the Vietnam War. Status: Critically Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this beauty, it was Endangered, which is bad enough. In 2014, this beautiful bird was designated as Critically Endangered.]

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) - A cute couple :)

Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea)