The Animals of the Historic Garzoni Garden
THE DUCKS OF THE HISTORIC GARZONI GARDEN
Ducks have been historically present in the gardens since the eighteenth century. These exemplars were born in captivity in authorised breeding centres, and then transferred directly to the Garden complete with all the legally required certificates of health and provenance. They are kept in the Garden for ornamental purposes, as authorised by the Pistoia Provincial Authority, through Ordinance no. 2449/2004.
Ringed Teal (Calonetta Leucophrys)
Native to South America, it is also found in many areas of Europe and Asia. The male has coloured plumage with a reddish back, the female is brown.
Carolina Duck (Aix Sponsa)
Originating from North America, its habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, and marshes. The male has multicoloured plumage, while the female is dark brown.
Red-crested Pochard (Netta Rufina)
It lives in various areas of Europe and Asia, preferring more northerly climes but not beyond the 55th parallel. The male has a reddish head, while that of the female is brown.
Chilöe Wigeon (Anas Sibilatrix)
Originating from South America, it lives in large groups on lakes and rivers. The males and females have the same colouring.
Common Shelduck (Tadoma Tadorna)
This duck is in the habit of nesting in foxes lairs. It is widespread along the coasts of northern Europe, in China, Japan and Siberia; in Italy it is resident in Sardinia.
Mandarin Duck (Aix Galericulata)
Native to Japan, it was introduced to Europe around 1930. It is now found in Great Britain and Brittany. The male has coloured plumage and the female a brown colouring.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
A migratory species, very widespread in Europe, its preferred habitat is lakes, although it can also be found near sheltered beaches. The male is black and white, while the female has a uniform brown plumage.
THE SWANS OF THE HISTORIC GARZONI GARDEN
The swans have always been the privileged inhabitants of the large pools of the Garzoni Garden.
These exemplars were born in captivity in authorised breeding centres, and then transferred directly to the Garden complete with all the legally required certificates of health and provenance. They are kept in the Garden for ornamental purposes, as authorised by the Pistoia Provincial Authority, through Ordinance no. 2449/2004.
Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor)
Member of the Anatidae family, the adult Mute Swan is completely white with an orange beak, and is distinguished by its arched neck and longer tail. In flight it has a majestic bearing with neck stretched and the broad wings that it moves gently with great elegance.
Black Swan (Cygnus Atratus)
This completely black swan originates from Australia, but is by now at home in Europe too. Smaller than the Mute Swan and less majestic in flight, it is nonetheless as agile and elegant while swimming as it is awkward and comic on land.
THE SQUIRRELS OF THE HISTORIC GARZONI GARDEN
The indigenous squirrels have always lived in the wild in the woods of the Garden. These exemplars were born in captivity in authorised breeding centres, and then transferred directly to the Garden complete with all the legally required certificates of health and provenance. They are kept in the Garden for ornamental purposes, as authorised by the Pistoia Provincial Authority, through Ordinance no. 2449/2004.
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis)
The Gray Squirrel is native to the eastern United States and southerly portions of Canada, and has been introduced in South Africa, Australia, Great Britain, and Italy in 1948. It lives in woods of oak, beech and hazel and in parks and gardens. In the wild it competes with the native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) over which it has a competitive advantage, being larger and stronger. It can cause even serious damage to trees, and especially nut trees. Hence it is suited to be kept in captivity as a pet.
THE CRANES OF THE HISTORIC GARZONI GARDEN
Exemplars belonging to the Gruidae family were present in the garden, along with exotic animals, in the nineteenth century. These exemplars were born in captivity in authorised breeding centres, and then transferred directly to the Garden complete with all the legally required certificates of health and provenance. They are kept in the Garden for ornamental purposes, as authorised by the Pistoia Provincial Authority, through Ordinance no. 2449/2004.
Black Crowned Crane (Balearica Pavonina)
From the family of the Gruidae, it is native to the southern areas of the Sahara where it inhabits marshland. It has a characteristic gilded tuft on its head. It is greatly admired for its elegance and bright colouring, and also for the spectacular courtship dance performed by the males during the mating season.
THE PEACOCKS OF THE HISTORIC GARZONI GARDEN
The Peacocks have always been favoured guests in the Garzoni Garden. These exemplars were born in captivity in authorised breeding centres, and then transferred directly to the Garden complete with all the legally required certificates of health and provenance. They are kept in the Garden for ornamental purposes, as authorised by the Pistoia Provincial Authority, through Ordinance no. 2449/2004.
Peafowl (Pavo Cristatus)
The Peafowl, native to India, are among the largest of the Galliformes family and are widely distributed throughout Europe. The Peacocks have 20 long and brightly-coloured tail feathers which form a long train which is raised into a fan as part of the courtship ritual.