Birdlife International Stamp’s Belarus 2013

 

The Hoopoe  (Upupa epops) is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base.The Hoopoe is a medium sized bird, a colorful bird, 25–32 cm  long, with a 44–48 cm  wingspan weighing 46–89 g. This species  is found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive 'crown' of feathers. It is the only extant species in the family Upupidae.

On March 12, 2013 the Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Belarus  issued the stamp “Hoopoe” from the series “Bird of the year”. The public organization “Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny” (Protection of Homeland Birds) declared the hoopoe the bird of the year 2013 in Belarus. Alongside of the stamp issuance, First Day Cover  and Maximum Card have issued on the same date.

 

There are logos of the International organization for the protection of birds "BirdLife International" and the Belarus public organization "Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny" (APB) on the stamp.

The Hoopoe has a characteristic undulating flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly, caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats.

The Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Most European and north Asian birds migrate to the tropics in winter.

 

 

 

 

The diet of the Hoopoe is mostly composed of insects, although small reptiles, frogs and plant matter such as seeds and berries are sometimes taken as well. It is a solitary forager which typically feeds on the ground.The diet of the Hoopoe includes many species considered to be pests by humans. For this reason the species is afforded protection under the law in many countries.

The Hoopoe is monogamous, although the pair bond apparently only lasts for a single season. They are also territorial, with the male calling frequently to advertise his ownership of the territory.

The population size is extremely large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion . For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.