The House Sparrow as Belarus Bird 2003.

On March 31, 2003 Belarus Post issued the stamp from the series "A bird of the year" dedicated to the house sparrow. The stamp is issued under the aegis of the International organization of birds protection "Bird Life International" and Belarus organization "Protection Homeland Birds ".

The quantity of house sparrows is diminishing in Europe. And it has become less in Belarus too. That is why Belarus organization "Protection Homeland Birds" declared the house sparrow as the bird of the year of 2003.

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a species of passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It occurs naturally in most of Europe, the Mediterranean region, and much of Asia. It has also been intentionally or accidentally introduced to many parts of the world, making it the most widely distributed wild bird. It is strongly associated with human habitations, but it is not the only sparrow species found near houses. It is a small bird, with feathers mostly different shades of brown and grey.

Tawny Owl (Strix Nebulosa) as Belarus Bird 2005

On March 31, 2005 Belarus Post issued the stamp “Tawny owl” from the series “A bird of the year”.The stamps are issued with the assistance of the organization “Protection of Belarus Birds”.

The Belarus public organization “Protection of Belarus Birds” declared the tawny owl a bird of the year 2005. It is listed in the Red Book of Belarus.The Tawny owl is rarely encountered in the European territory. In Belarus almost the whole population of the Tawny owl builds their aeries in Brest region. One can see this bird mostly in swamps and marshlands. The Tawny owl as stated and represented on the stamp is Strix nebulosa .

Strix nebulosa   is a very large owl, distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. They breed in North America from as far east as Quebec to the Pacific coast and Alaska, and from Finland and Estonia across northern Asia. They are permanent residents, but may move south and southeast when food is scarce. Strix nebulosa rely almost fully upon small rodents, with voles being their most important food source.

Their breeding habitat is the dense coniferous forests of the taiga, near open areas, such as meadows or bogs. Strix nebulosa do not build nests, so typically use nests previously used by a large bird, such as a raptor. They will also nest in broken-topped trees and cavities in large trees. Nesting may occur from March to May. Four eggs are the usual clutch size.

The House Martin as Belarus Bird 2004.

On March 31, 2004 Belarus Post issued the stamp from the series “A bird of the year” dedicated to the House Martin. The stamp is issued under the aegis of the International organization of birds protection “BirdLife International” and Belarus organization “Ahova ptushak Belarusi” (APB “Protection of Belarus Birds”).

The Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Martin, is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia.

It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation.

The preferred habitat of the Common House Martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, and preferably near water, although it is also found in mountains up to at least 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) altitude.

The Common House Martin is a migrant which moves on a broad-front.While migrating they feed in the air on insects and they generally travel in daylight, although some birds may move at night.The Common House Martin is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. The male's song, given throughout the year, is a soft twitter of melodious chirps. The contact call, also given on the wintering grounds, is a hard chirrrp, and the alarm is a shrill tseep.

It is hunted by the Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), and like other birds is affected by internal parasites and external fleas and mites, but its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally.

The Lapwing (Vanellus Vanellus) as Belarus Bird 2006.

On April 18, 2006 Belarus Post issued the stamp “Lapwing” from the series “A bird of the year”.The stamps are issued with the assistance of the organization Protection of Homeland Birds.

The Lapwing is one of the most well known sandpipers in Belarus.The Protection of Homeland Birds fund  declared the lapwing as a bird of the year 2006.

The Lapwing or The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), also known as the Peewit, Green Plover , is a bird in the plover family. It is common through temperate Eurasia. It is highly migratory over most of its extensive range, wintering further south as far as north Africa, northern India, Pakistan, and parts of China. It migrates mainly by day, often in large flocks. Lowland breeders in westernmost areas of Europe are resident.

The Lapwing is a 28–31 cm long bird with a 67–72 cm wingspan. It has rounded wings and a crest. It is the shortest-legged of the lapwings. It is mainly black and white, but the back is tinted green. Females and young birds have narrower wings, and have less strongly-marked heads, but plumages are otherwise quite similar.

Lapwings hibernate in France. They usually come flying to Belarus at the end of February. The female lapwing looks like the male in colour; they are dutiful in the process of incubation and are very protective; vigilant and ready to tackle any predators. Lapwings are birds that nest in open dry countryside and in fallow lands. The clutch has always four eggs. 3–4 eggs are laid in a ground scrape. The nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. Lapwings begin to migrate for hibernation from the end of May until October. About 100.000 pairs usually build their nests in Belarus. The population of lapwings decreases almost in all countries of Europe.

This sheet-let comprised of seven stamps with background of the nature. The stamp has printed the logo of Birdlife International and logo of the Protection of Homeland Birds.

Another issued is FDC ( First day cover) depicted the eggs and young bird.

Birdlife International–St. Helena 2007

On year 2007, Saint Helena Post has issued the birdlife stamp series that featured the species Black Noddy, Sooty Tern, Madeiran Storm Petrel, and Masked Booby with different face values.All stamps have logo of Birdlife International.

The Black Noddy or White-capped Noddy (Anous minutus) is a seabird from the tern family.It is smaller than the Common Noddy with darker plumage, a whiter cap, a longer, straighter beak and shorter tail.

The Black Noddy has a worldwide distribution in tropical and subtropical seas, with colonies widespread in the Pacific Ocean and more scattered across the Caribbean, central Atlantic and in the northeast Indian Ocean. 

The nests of these birds consist on a level platform, often created in the branches of trees by a series of dried leaves covered with bird droppings. It is usually seen close to its breeding colonies within 80 km of shore. Birds return to colonies, or other islands, in order to roost at night. 

The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion.For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

 

The Madeiran Storm-petrel, Oceanodroma castro, is of the storm-petrel family Hydrobatidae and has distinctive characteristic is mainly black with an extensive white rump with the forked tail, long wings, and flight behaviour.The measured size is 19-21 cm in length with a 43-46 cm wingspan, and weights 44-49g.

The Madeiran Storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro breeds in the eastern Atlantic from the Berlengas Islands and the Azores (Portugal), down to Ascension Island and Saint Helena (St Helena to UK), and in the Pacific off eastern Japan, on Kauai, Hawaii (USA) and on the Galapagos Islands.

Jamaica–Birdlife International 2003

Jamaica Post issued the stamp series of birdlife international one set of four single stamp and one souvenir sheet. The issuance of stamp set featured the species Jamaican Stripe-Headed Tanager, Crested Quail Dove, Jamaican Tody, Blue Mountain Vireo. All species were depicted are endemic in Jamaica.

Jamaican Stripe-Headed Tanager ($15)

Jamaican Stripe-Headed Tanager or Jamaican Spindalis is member  of the genus Spindalis. The scientific names is Spindalis nigricephala.It was the strikingly different plumages of the females, as well as vocalization differences, that led ornithologists to split Stripe-headed Tanager into Western Spindalis, the endemic Hispaniolan Spindalis (Spindalis dominicensis), the Puerto Rican Spindalis (Spindalis portoricensis) of Puerto Rico, and the Jamaican Spindalis (Spindalis nigricephala) from Jamaica. Stripe-headed Tanager was renamed in 2000, from the Forty-second Supplement to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds.

Petrel birds of New Caledonia - Birdlife International 2008

On the year 2008, New Caledonia Post issued the birdlife stamp series of Petrel bird  featured Nesofregetta fuliginosa (Polynesian Storm Petrel), Pterodroma leucoptera (Gould’s Petrel) ,Pseudobulweria rostrata ( Tahiti Petrel). The issuance only consist of 3 pieces of stamps.

Nesofregatta fuliginasa, 110 F

The Polynesian Storm-petrel (Nesofregetta fuliginosa) is a species of seabird in the Hydrobatidae family and  placed in the monotypic genus Nesofregetta.Their specific distinctive are 25 cm in length and polymorphic with broad rounded wings, lacking obvious bends along leading and trailing edges. Most common morph has brownish-black head, nape, mantle, upperwing and tail but white rump-band and greater-covert wing-bar. Moderately forked tail. White throat, brownish chest band, rest of underparts white. Extensive white on underwing-coverts, otherwise dark underwing. Intermediate morphs show dark flecking on white underparts. Dark morph is entirely sooty-brown.

Nesofregetta fuliginosa is found in Chile, French Polynesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, possibly American Samoa, possibly Fiji, and possibly Samoa.Its natural habitats are open seas, rocky shores, and sandy shores. This species has been uplisted to Endangered due to  threatened by introduced predators.Predation of eggs and small chicks by house mouse Mus musculus

Egretta alba in video - An adult in breeding plumage feeding the chicks on the nest.

Herewith the video link of Egretta alba  which i got from The Internet bird Collection for add more information of this species. This video featured an adult in breeding plumage feeding the chicks.

Great White Egret (Egretta alba) - An adult in breeding plumage feeding the chicks on the nest.

Egretta Alba of Belarus. Birdlife International 2008.

On March 13, 2008 the Ministry of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of  Belarus issued the stamp “Great white heron” from  the  series  “A bird of the year” prepared by the Publishing Centre “Marka” of the EUR “Belpochta”.The “Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny” fund (Protection of Homeland Birds) declared the great white heron a bird of the year 2008.

Egretta alba or The Great White Heron is the tallest, largest white egret that has extremely long legs and neck.Its neck is longer than its body, and is held in a distinctive kink.

Egretta alba feed on mostly fish, but will also take amphibians (frogs), aquatic invertebrates (insects, crayfish), and reptiles (snakes).Egretta alba are skilled hunters. They stalk the shallow waters or mud flats, walking slowly or quickly with their strong neck coiled at ready.Egretta alba hunt alone or in small, loose groups. Nevertheless, they usually vigorously defend a small feeding territory from other egrets.

Egretta alba  breeds in North America and winters in South America; another breeds in Europe and Russia and winters in Africa; and the eastern race that visits Singapore is found from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia all the way to Australia and New Zealand.

Birdlife International–New Caledonia 2007

On year 2007, New Caledonia Post has issued the birdlife stamp series featured the species of threatened birds in their country  Gymnomyza aubryana (Meliphage toulou), Coracina analis (Echenilleur de montagne), and Cagou (Rynochetos jubatus).

Meliphage toulou or Gymnomyza aubryana, 35F,

Gymnomyza aubryana or Meliphage toulou, also known as The Crow Honeyeater  is a very large honeyeater with orange facial wattles. The Crow Honeyeaters have long rounded wings and a long tail and neck. Their bill is long and bicolored- yellow below, black above. It has a loud, ringing sound.

This bird is endemic to New Caledonia and lives in humid forests on hills. It is relatively inconspicuous, and lives either in pairs or alone. It is estimated that there are between 50 and 250 birds left. It forages for invertebrates and nectar in the canopy and midstorey.This bird is critically endangered due to introduced rats.

Birdlife of Vietnam 2006.

Vietnam Post has issued the stamp series comprised of 5 pieces stamps, featured the pheasant birds and partridge birds with the collaboration of Birdlife International Organisation on year 2006. The species depicted are Edwards's Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi), The Orange-necked Partridge (Arborophila davidi), The Vietnamese Pheasant (Lophura hatinhensis),The Germain's Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron germaini) , and The Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata).

Edwards's Pheasant, Lophura edwardsi, is a bird of the pheasant family Phasianidae that is endemic to the rainforests of Vietnam. Edwards's Pheasant has identified with sized of 58–67 cm long, with red legs and facial skin. The male is a mainly blue-black bird with a crest, and the female is a drab brown bird. The alarm call is a puk-puk-puk.

Edwards's Pheasant has two varieties, the nominate form Lophura edwardsi edwardsi has a white crest and upper tail, and the northern form Lophura edwardsi hatinhensis is found with a variable number of white retrices. This difference in the two forms may be due to inbreeding of a restricted, fragmented population there, and has also been seen in captive, inbred Lophura edwardsi edwardsi.

Both forms of Edward's Pheasant are currently listed as endangered species, having suffered from deforestation, hunting and the use of defoliants during the Vietnam War.This species is currently believed to number between 1000-3000 birds in the wild, mostly of the nominate form, but it is doing well in captivity, where it is the subject of ex-situ conservation.

The Greylag Goose of Belarus 2009

The Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Belarus have issued the stamp “Grey goose” from the series “A bird of the year” prepared by the Publishing Centre “Marka”of the EUR“Belpochta” on  March 31, 2009 .

Anser anser or The Greylag Goose , Grey Goose is a bird species of the genus Anser. occurs with a wide range in the Old World  included :Africa, Asia, and Europe (collectively known as Afro-Eurasia), plus surrounding islands. This species is the ancestor of domesticated geese in Europe and North America. Flocks of feral birds derived from domesticated birds are widespread.

The Greylag Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

This species is  apparently breeding where suitable localities are to be found in many European countries and extends across Asia to China.The breeding habitat is a variety of wetlands including marshes, lakes, and damp heather moors.

The Grey Goose is the largest and bulkiest of the grey Anser geese. The characteristics body are  has a rotund, bulky body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. The pink colour of  legs and feet, and the orange or pink  colour of  bill.The Grey Goose sized is 75 to 90 centimetres  long with a wing length of 41.2 to 48 centimetres .The plumage of the GreyGoose is greyish-brown, with a darker head and paler belly with variable black spots. Its plumage is patterned by the pale fringes of its feathers. It has a white line bordering its upper flanks. Its coverts are lightly coloured, contrasting with its darker flight feathers.

The Common Kestrel of Belarus 2010.

The Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Belarus have been issued the stamp “Kestrel” as part of from the series “A bird of the year” on March 19, 2010 .The stamp is issued with the assistance of the public organization “Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny” (Protection of Homeland Birds) and  declared the kestrel a bird of the year 2010.

Falco tinnunculus (The Common Kestrel ), well known as European Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel or Old World Kestrel is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae that occurs widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America.

Falco tinnunculus readily adapts to human settlement, as long as sufficient swathes of vegetation are available, and may even be found in wetlands, moorlands and arid savannah. It is found from the sea to the lower mountain ranges, reaching up to 4,500 m -1,750 meters .

Falco tinnunculus eat almost exclusively mouse-sized mammals: typically voles, but also shrews and true mice.The Common Kestrel starts breeding in spring (or the start of the dry season in the tropics), i.e. April/May in temperate Eurasia and some time between August and December in the tropics and southern Africa.

Globally, Falco tinnunculus is not considered threatened by the IUCN.The global population is fluctuating considerably over the years but remains generally stable; it is roughly estimated at 1-2 million pairs , about 20% of which are found in Europe. Their population were affected by the indiscriminate use of organochlorines and other pesticides in the mid-20th century.

There are logos of the International organization of birds protection "Birdlife International" and Belarus publicorganization "Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny" (APB)on the stamps.

A maximum card “Kestrel” have been issued issued too.

Birdlife of New Caledonia 2009- Threatened Stern Birds

New Caledonia Post has issued the birdlife stamp series 2009 which depicted the Threatened   Stern birds i.e: Sterna nereis, Sterna diamant, Sterna dougalli of their country.

Sterna nereis (75F),

Sterna nereis or The Fairy Tern  is a small tern which occurs in the south-western Pacific.There are three subspecies, one of them is New Caledonian Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis exsul - breeds in New Caledonia.The Fairy Tern is recently uplisted to Vulnerable status in 2008

 Sterna diamant or Sterna sumatrana (75F),
Sterna sumatrana  or The Black-naped Tern is an oceanic tern mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is rarely found inland.
Sterna sumatrana sized is about 30 cm long with a wing length of 21–23 cm. Their charaterized are black colour on the beaks and legs , but yellow colour on the tips of their bills . They have long forked tails.The Black-naped tern has a white face and breast with a grayish-white back and wings.

Sterna dougallii  (75F),
Sterna dougallii or The Roseate Tern is a small-medium tern, 33–36 cm long with a 67–76 cm wingspan which breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, and winters south to the Caribbean and west Africa.This species breeds in colonies on coasts and islands. It nests in a ground scrape, often in a hollow or under dense vegetation, and lays one or two (rarely three) eggs.Sterna dougallii feeds by plunge-diving for fish, almost invariably from the sea. The distinctive behaviour of the Roseate Tern shows some kleptoparasitic behaviour, stealing fish from other seabirds. In the late 19th century, these birds were hunted for their plumes which were used to decorate hats. More recently, their numbers have decreased in some regions due to increased competition and predation by large gulls, whose numbers have increased in recent times.

BuzzNet Tags: New Caledonia,Stern nereis,Stern sumatrana,Stern dougallii,Roseate Tern,Black-naped Tern,Fairy Tern

Birdlife of Indonesia 2008.

Indonesia Post issued the bird stamp series of  Indonesian Birds  “Pusaka Hutan Sumatera”   (Heritage Birds of Indonesia). This miniature sheet issued under collaboration with Birdlife International and consisted 6 pieces stamps depicted Julang Jambul Hitam,Luntur Kasumba, Cekakak Hutan Melayu, Mentok Rimba, Kuau Raja,and  Bangau storm.

Julang Jambul Hitam (Aceros corrugatus) or known as  Wrinkled Hornbill is a medium-large hornbill which is found in forest in the Sundaic lowlands of peninsular Thailand, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore,Kalimantan and Sumatra  and Brunei.

The Julang Jambul Hitam is around 70 cm long, and has a very large bill that is fused to the skull. It has mainly black plumage, a blue eye-ring, and a broadly white or rufous-tipped tail. The male and female have different head and bill patterns. Males have bright yellow feathers on the auriculars, cheeks, throat, neck-sides and chest, but these areas are black in the female, except for the blue throat. The bill of the male is yellow with a red base and casque, and a brownish basal half of the lower mandible. The bill and casque of the female is almost entirely yellow.

Julang Jambul Hitam is a forest species and eats mainly fruit, such as figs, although it will also eat small animals such as frogs and insects.

 

These birds are monogamous and remain in a pair for life. This species occurs in primary evergreen and swamp forests, up to 1,000 m.

Due to high rates of deforestation in primary forests, it is cause to decline their population moderately rapidly. Hence Julang Jambul Hitam should be carefully monitored as Near Threatened Bird.

The Luntur Kasumba (Harpactes kasumba) , also known as Red-naped Trogon is a species of bird in the Trogonidae family. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The Cekakak Hutan Melayu (Actenoides concretus), also known as Rufous-collared Kingfisher is a species of bird in the Alcedinidae family. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The Mentok Rimba or Cairina scutulata , also known as White-winged Wood Duck is a species of duck, usually placed in the genus Cairina and allied with the dabbling ducks.

Historically, the White-winged Wood Duck was widely distributed from north-east India and Bangladesh, through South East Asia to Java and Sumatra. However, in 2002 it had a population of only 800, with about 200 in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, 150 on Sumatra, notably in Way Kambas National Park and 450 in India, Bangladesh and Burma.

Due to on going habitat loss, small population size, and because this duck is hunted for eggs, pets and food, the White-winged Duck is evaluated as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The Kuau Raja or Argusianus argus (also known as Great Argus , Phoenix in some Asian areas) is a brown-plumaged pheasant with a small blue head and neck, rufous red upper breast, black hair-like feathers on crown and nape, and red legs. The male is among the largest of all pheasants, with up to 200cm in length. It has very long tail feathers. The male's most spectacular features are its huge, broad and greatly elongated secondary wing feathers decorated with large ocelli. The female is smaller and duller than male, with shorter tails and less ocelli. The Great Argus is thought to be polygamous in the wild, it is actually monogamous.Their habitat in tall, dry, lowland primary and logged forests, mainly below 900 m, but can be up to 1,300 m. It is much sparser in deciduous forest and rare to absent from lowland peat swamp and white-sand heath forests.

The Great Argus is distributed in the jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. Due to on going habitat loss and hunted in some areas, the Great Argus is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Population estimate are 100,000 numbers with trend decreasing in range estimate of 1,900,000 km2.

 

The Bangau storm or Ciconia stormi, also well known as Stom’s Stork is a large, approximately 91 centimetres  long, stork with black and white plumages, red bill, orange bare facial skin, red legs and yellow orbital skin. Both sexes are similar. The young has duller plumage and bare skin. This species is found in undisturbed forest and freshwater habitats in Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Borneo and peninsular Malaysia. The world population of the Storm's Stork is less than 500 individuals.

The Bangau Storm is a solitary bird, but is occasionally found in small groups. Its diet consists mainly of fish. It occurs at low densities in large, undisturbed blocks of level lowland forest, particularly freshwater and peat-swamp forests, on the floodplains of large rivers. Due to ongoing habitat loss, very small population size, limited range and overhunting in some areas, the Storm's Stork is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Fruit Dove birds of Nauru. 2005

This miniature sheet feature the fruit dove of Nauru and consisted 6 species of fruit dove of Pacific Islands. The sheet has issued by Nauru Post as one of three miniature sheet that features the protected bird as categorized by Birdlife International on year 2004.The dove species are Atoll Fruit-dove,Henderson Fruit-dove, Cook Islands Fruit-dove, Rapa Fruit-dove , Whistling Dove,and Mariana Fruit-dove.

The Atoll Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus coralensis) is a species of bird in the Columbidae family. It is endemic to French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss and to be qualified as Near Threatened 

The Henderson Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus insularis) is a species of bird in the Columbidae family and confined to Henderson in the Pitcairn Islands , a small uninhabited, raised-reef island in the south-central Pacific Ocean . The Henderson Fruit-dove has identification are small (22 cm in length), basically two-toned pigeon. The colour of crown and forehead are bright rose-red narrowly bordered by golden-yellow. The other colour of neck, upper back and chest are pale blue-grey. Rest of body colour are olive-green, paler below with yellow under tail-coverts. The Tail colour is bronzy reflections above and tipped white. Wing feathers edged yellow, tending to white on tertials. The bill colour is yellow-green bill. The iris and feet colour are Orange-red. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. This species qualifies as Vulnerable as it is only found on one small island where it remains at risk from the accidental introduction of exotic species and threatened by habitat loss. The population estimate is 4000 individuals and trending in stable

The Cook Islands Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus rarotongensis) is a species of bird in the Columbidae family. It is endemic to the Cook Islands. This species now occurs only on two tiny islands, on Rarotonga and Atiu.

The birds has identification are small (20 cm in length), mostly green pigeon. Pale greenish-grey foreparts on specific part like head, chest, upper back, contrasting with remainder of plumage but with indistinct borders. Other body colour are brilliant rose-lavender crown and forehead, yellow underparts, upper belly variably tinged copper-red. The bill is red at base, apple-green at tip. The iris and feet are red-orange.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and to be qualified as vulnerable species. The Population estimate is ranged between 250 till 999 individuals and trend of population is stable.

The Rapa Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus huttoni) is endemic to the tiny island of Rapa in the Tubuai Islands, French Polynesi as a species of bird in the Columbidae family. The Rapa Fruit-dove has identifications are medium-sized (31 cm), mostly green pigeon, larger and longer tailed than most fruit-doves. Feathers of lower chest cloven by producing rows of shadows that appears as streaks. Pale blue-grey foreparts (head, neck, chest, upper back) shading into green of body above. Yellowish-white tip of tail, not sharply demarcated. Bright rose crown, face and throat, dark rose undertail-coverts. The edges of wing feathers are yellow lower belly and below cloven chest feathers are rose-purple band. The iris and bill are yellow and the rest colour is red leg. Its voice is repetitive series of double oo-wa notes. The Rapa Fruit-dove feeds on fleshy fruit and nectar from flowers.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The Rapa Fruit-dove is one of the fifty rarest birds in the world. This species is classified as Vulnerable because the population is extremely small and confined to undisturbed forest fragments on one tiny island and threatened by habitat loss. However, at present the population appears to be stable where its population was estimated at 274 individuals.

The Whistling Dove, Ptilinopus layardi is a small fruit dove from Fiji. The species is endemic to the islands of Kadavu and Ono in the Kadavu Group in the south of Fiji.The Whistling Dove is a small dove (20 cm) that is sexually dimorphic in its velvety plumage. The plumage of the male is dark green with a yellow head and undertail coverts; the female lacks the yellow plumage. They are difficult to see in the forest canopy, but can be found due to their distinctive whistling call, a clear rising whistle followed by a falling 'tinkle'.. The species feeds on fruits in the canopy.When breeding only the female takes care of the young, an unusual adaption within the pigeon family. The Whistling Dove is considered near threatened by the IUCN. The estimated population is 10,000 birds (BirdLife International 2006) and classified as Near Threatened species due to it has a restriced range and it is declining due to habitat loss.

The Mariana Fruit-dove, Ptilinopus roseicapilla, is a small, up to 24cm long, green fruit dove native and endemic to Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands in the Pacific. It has a red forehead, greyish head, back and breast, and yellow belly patch and under tail coverts. The female lays a single white egg. The chick and egg are tended to by both parents. Its diet consists mainly of fruits. Due to ongoing habitat loss, limited range, small population size and invasive alien species, the Mariana Fruit-dove is evaluated as Endangered Species. Several zoos have started captive breeding programs in 1993. The St. Louis Zoo, in St. Louis, Missouri, has one of the most successful captive breeding programs.

Lorikeet birds of Nauru. 2005

 

On year 2004, Nauru Post has issued Birdlife stamp series in miniature sheet that feature Lorikeet birds, Dove birds, Long-legged birds. One of mentioned  has shown above consisted of 6 piece stamps which depicted Khul’s Lorikeet, Masked Shinning Parrot,  Crimson Shinning Parrot,  Blue Lorikeet, Henderson Lorikeet, Ultramarine Lorikeet.

The Kuhl's Lorikeet also called Rimatara Lorikeet, Kuhl’s Lori, is a species of lorikeet in the Psittcidae family. The Kuhl's Lorikeet is a fast flying lorikeet with size in 18 cm length, pointed tail. Other distinctive are mostly dark green above, crimson-red cheeks and underparts; dark purple patch on nape (of young birds only); Orange-red bill and dull orange feet. The Kuhl's Lorikeet's habitat is natural tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. The Kuhl's Lorikeet is a nectarivore, and has a brushy tongue to acquire the nectar. Their habitat in islands denuded of native forests and covered with extensive coconut plantations. This species qualifies as Endangered because it has a very small distribution and to be undergoing slow decline owing to predation by black rats. Population estimate 2,000 numbers.

The Masked Shining Parrot (Prosopeia personata) is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. The Masked Shining Parrot is endemic to Fiji and their natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, subtropical or tropical moist mountain, arable land, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The Crimson Shining Parrot, Prosopeia splendens, is a common forest species that has recently taken to entering gardens and agricultural land. Pairs forage for seeds and fruits. The species is endemic to the islands of Kadavu and Ono in the Kadavu Group of Fiji. The Crimson Shining Parrot is a medium sized parrot (45 cm) with a long tail and bright plumage. The head, breast and belly are covered in bright crimson-red, its back; wings and tail are green with hints of blue in the wing. It has a long winged appearance in flight, flying with undulating bouts of flaps and gliding. The Crimson Shining Parrot considered to be vulnerable by the IUCN due to its restricted range, habitat loss and the illegal trade in parrots. The population estimated around 6,000 individuals.

The Blue Lorikeet, Vini peruviana, is also known as the Tahiti Lorikeet, Tahitian Lori, Blue Lori, and the Indigo Lori. Now this species found on 8 islands around Tahiti: Motu, Manuae, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Aratua, Kaukura, Apataki, Aitutaki, and possibly Harvey Island and Manihi. The Blue Lorikeet is a small lorikeet 18 cm long with a short rounded tail. Erectile feathers on the top of its head show light blue streaks. Its beak is orange and its irises are yellow-brown. It has orange legs. Adult males and females have identical external appearance. Its plumage is mainly dark blue and it has a white area over its upper chest, throat and lower face. TheBlue Lorikeets depend on coconut palms for nesting and some of its food, and will frequent cultivated areas. They also roost in palm trees, rising at dawn and calling and preening before feeding. They are usually found in small flocks of less than ten birds. They are active birds, feeding on nectar, insects and ground forage. The BlueLorikeets qualifies as Vulnerable because it is likely to continue to decline owing to the ongoing depredations of cats and particularly black rats. Population estimated 2,500-9,999 numbers.

The Henderson Lorikeet or Vini stepheni is red-and-green parakeet and have length of 18 cm to be included as a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. The colour of body birds are dark green above shading to golden-yellow tip of tail and belt across chest green at sides, purple in centre. They have yellow colour of bill and eyes. The voice is a shrill screech. The Henderson Lorikeet occurs in native forest, showing a preference for forest edge and in coconut palms along beaches. It is a generalist feeder, consuming nectar, pollen and fruit from a wide variety of plants from beach-level to the plateau. The Henderson Lorikeet qualifies as Vulnerable as it is found only on one small island .In 1987, the total population was estimated at between 720 and 1,820 individuals and it is thought to be stable.

The Ultramarine Lorikeet, or Vini ultramarina is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family, and has identification 18 cm in length , sharp-tailed, red colour of bill, eyes, and feet. The colour of forehead and upper part is light cerulean-blue and other colour of under part s and nape is dark navy-blue. The Cheeks, breast, and flanks heavily mottled with white. The voices are very high-pitched whistle and harsh screech. The Ultramarine Lorikeet is endemic to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist mountains and plantations. The Ultramarine Lorikeet feeds on a wide variety of flowering trees on nectar and pollen, preferring flowers of the coconut palm, banana and native Hibiscus and fruit, especially mango; as well as on flowers, buds and insects. The Ultramarine Lorikeet is classified as Endangered and threatened mainly by introduction of the black rat and also by deforestation. The population estimated around 2500 individuals.

Bristle-thighed Curlew of Kiribati. 2004

The Bristle-thighed Curlew, Numenius tahitiensis, is a large shorebird that breeds in Alaska and winters on tropical Pacific islands. The distinctive has characterized are long and decurved bill, bristled feathers at the base of the legs, spotted brown on the upper body with a light belly and ruswte-colored , buffy tail and length is about 43 cm.

Bristle-thighed Curlews feed on a wide variety of vegetation such as flowers and berries and on insects, sea life, and other bird's eggs, which they use rocks to break open—the only tool use among shorebirds.The population is estimated at 7,000 birds

 

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Birdlife of Bahamas 2006

The Brown-headed Nuthatch, Sitta pusilla, is a small (approximately 8.9 cm in length) songbird found in pine forests throughout the South-eastern United States.  The bird possesses a sharp black nail-like beak, which it uses to pound open seeds. This species of nuthatch sports a brown cap with narrow black eyeline and buff white cheeks chin, and belly. Its wings are bluish-gray in color. A small white spot is found at the nape of the neck.

It is a frequent visitor to feeding stations and is highly fond of sunflower seeds .Bold and inquisitive, this bird is readily approachable by humans. The bird is frequently observed using a small chip of bark held in its beak as a tool to dig for insects.

An endangered population occurs in the pineyards of Grand Bahama. Population surveys conducted on Grand Bahamas in 2004 suggest this species is endangered, with hundreds to possibly a few thousand individuals remaining. These birds require mature, fire-maintained stands of Caribbean Pine and face serious threats associated with accelerated development, potential logging, invasive species (including snakes, cats, raccoons, and competing cavity-nesting birds), and catastrophic storm damage.

Bahamas Post collaborated with Birdlife International issued the stamps on year 2006.

World Bird festival 2001-Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha Post has issued the miniature sheet depicted species of the Spectacled Petrel. This sheet as commemorative of Tristan da Cunha at the World Bird Festival 2001.

The Spectacled Petrel is a member of the Procellaria genus.The Spectacled Petrel, Procellaria conspicillata, is a rare seabird that nests in burrows ,only on the high western plateau of Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha group.

This Petrel breeds annually and will lay one egg in its nest, which is situated in wet heath above 380 m .Their nests are burrows along the banks of rivers, and also in marshes.The Spectacled Petrel eats cephalopods, fish, and crustaceans.The Spectacled Petrel is a large, approximately 55 cm  in length, predominately black Petrel. It does have white bands around its eyes, and it’s bill is yellow. Their lifespan averages 26.4 years.

Birdlife of Indonesia at Jipex 2009 .

Indonesia Post has overprint to the souvenir  sheet of Birdlife Indonesia as commemorative the participation at Jakarta International Philatelic Expo 2009. The sheet has depicted the birdlife of Indonesia, Julang Jambul Hitam, Luntur Kasumba, Cekakak Hutan Melayu, Bangau Storm, Mentok Rimba, and Kuau Raja.

Top direction picture from left to right :

Julang Jambul Hitam (Aceros corrugatus), Luntur Kasumba (Harpactes kasumba) ,  Cekakak Hutan Melayu (Actenoides concretus) Bangau storm or Ciconia stormi, also well known as Stom’s Stork

The bottom picture  from left to right:

Mentok Rimba or Cairina scutulata , also known as White-winged Wood Duck,  Kuau Raja or Argusianus argus (also known as Great Argus  in some Asian areas).

Birdlife of Fiji 2004.

Fiji Post has collaborated with Birdlife International Organization released the birdlife stamp series depicted species Longlegged wrabler, Silktail, Pink-billed Parrotfinch, and Red-throated Lorikeet on year 2004.

Long legged warbler,or known  Trichocichl rufa have distinctive are 17 cm in length with a long-tailed secretive warbler of the forest floor. Upper parts rather warm brown with a distinct long fine silvery super-cilium. White throat contrast with buffy-rufous breast-sides and flanks, fading into an off-white belly. Fairly long bluish legs, and medium-short black bill.This species is endemic Viti Levu and Vanua Levu on Fiji. This species was recently rediscovered and has been listed as Endangered because it is estimated to have a very small population, approximately 50 – 249 birds.

The Silktail, Lamprolia victoriae is a small black bird 12cm with rounded long wings, iridescent metallic blue crown and breast, silky white lower-back patch and white rounded pattern of short tail. The Silktail is endemic to forests of Taveuni and Vanua Levu islands of Fiji.  This species is classified as Near Threatened because   declining owing to losses of mature forest through continuing logging, plantation establishment and clearing for agriculture. Population estimated between 16,000 - 28,000 birds.

The Pink-billed Parrotfinch,  Erythrura kleinschmidti , is approximately 11 cm long, robust, greenish finch with outsized bill.It is mainly found in mature, wet forest up to 1,000 m, sometimes found in secondary scrub and plantations. The species has olive-green with black face, bluish crown and nape and red rump. This species is restricted to a single subpopulation on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji and qualifies as Vulnerable because  the population is still small, and declining owing to habitat loss. The population estimated between 2,500-9,999 birds.

The Red-throated Lorikeet or Charmosyna amabilis , has 18 cm long and entirely green but for red cheeks, throat and thighs. Red throat bordered with yellow. Mustard-yellow undertail and tail tips.High-pitched squeaks uttered whilst feeding or in flight.This species qualifies as Critically Endangered lorikeet because a tiny population and continuing to decline as a result of predation from introduced rats and loss of habitat. It is endemic to Fiji and found in the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Population estimated is less than 50 birds.