Lilac Breasted Roller - Chester Zoo 21/04/2010

Lilac breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) in the Tsavo Bird Safari at Chester Zoo.

I make no excuses for posting another roller picture; this specimen always poses beautifully, usually in the full sun and often in clear view.

When I'm not in the office you'll find me in this aviary... just don't tell anyone.

Very nice shot.

I've been really impressed with the Tsavo aviary - they're obviously still toying with the species mix a bit but things like the weavers, rollers, Hammerkops and Von der Decken's Hornbills seem to have settled in wonderfully.

Thank you, this is one of my favourite parts of the zoo. A fairly simple, inexpensive exhibit, but hugely effective and often quiet in the late afternoons.

I've been working on a video of the species here and have most of them, but just when I think I'm done I spot something else. One day I'll get it finished.

I think this is a great asset to that area of the zoo. Wonderful aviary and I think part of its charm is that the birds arent always so easy to spot in 2 minutes.
A shame of course that the likes of the barbets, go-away birds and chats didnt work out but I think the addition of the Whistling Ducks is a great one.

I don't recall the barbets, were they the red and yellow barbet (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) now in the Tropical Realm or a different species?

I know some people aren't too keen on the planting in this aviary, but I think it's just right and in the low sun, quite a good facsimile of an African habitat, complete with the red earth. Part of the joy really is discovering - or "spotting" - all the species here.

Yeap - they were the Red & Yellows. They were only there for a few months and were not partically easily visable, I only caught a quick glimpse of one.

I agree with you completly really. The planting fits very well in my opinion and whilst I certainly think a few more species could/should be added I certainly wouldnt want it to become over-populated with birds.