Greater Vasa Parrot at Chester 2006

Could someone please id this one for me, shot back in 06. I can\'t remember taking the shot so have no idea which aviary it was in.

Vasa black parrot? possibly

Parrot at Chester 2006

It's definitely a Vasa, but I can't tell Greater from Lesser.

I'm sure this is a greater Vasa. Chester had a very successful pair in the old Oakfield aviaries for many years. I still miss them (the parrots, not the aviaries) as they were my favourite birds in the Zoo.
At one time they did have lesser Vasa parrots too. They were shyer and lived in the avairy behind the Aquarium, but I think they left over 10 years ago.

Alan

It's a Greater Vasa Parrot. I still miss these birds. For one thing it was easy to tell if they were nesting because the female lost her head feathers.

They liked to lie on the ground with their wings outstretched and the beak open when sunbathing. Some visitors were concerned that the bird had been injured or had become ill.

Greater Vasa Parrot at Chester Zoo 1985-2009
Lesser Vasa Parrot at Chester Zoo 1982-1994

Both species bred for the first time in the UK at Chester.

Thank you very much for the information, I have amended the photo title.

Yes, Oakfield aviaries rang a bell to an extent that my memory came back. Full or character these birds.

I forgot to say before that this is a lovely photo.
I do wish Chester could have found another aviary for the old pair.

Alan