Indian Birds of Prey 1992
Complete Set of 4 nos of commemorative postage stamps on the Indian Raptors : Osprey, Shaheen Falcon, Bearded Vulture and Himalayan Golden Eagle :
Issued by India
Issued on Dec 30, 1992
Issued for : The Dept. of Posts has brought out a number of stamps on the flora and fauna of this country. This series is on a set of birds of which are an endangered species.
Credits :
Stamps : J. P. Irani
FDC / Cachet : Shankha Samantha
Type : Stamps, Postal Used and First Day Cover
Colour : Multi Colour
Denomination : 200, 600, 800, 1100 P
Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.
Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.
Perforation : 13 x 13
Paper : Imported Un W/M gravure coated gummed stamp paper
Number Printed : 10,00,000
Number per issue sheet : 35
Printing Process : Photogravure
Printed : India Security Press
About :
- THE BIRDS OF PREY share some common features, characteristics and food habits. They have sharp curved bills, powerful falcons, fierce looks, swift flight, keen eyesight and a carnivorous diet. We are justly proud of the hundred and more resident and non-resident birds of prey that India is blessed with. The impressive list includes – Kites, Bazas, Buzzards, Goshawks, Shikras, Sparrow Hawks, Eagles, Sea Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Fishing Eagles, Harriers, Ospreys, Falcons, Falconets, Hobbys, Merlins, Kestrels, Vultures and Owls. There are over 100 species (in three Families) not including the 27 species of Owls. Today the survival of some of these birds is endangered due to hunting, destruction of their habitat, and environmental pollution.
- 1. Pandion Haliaetus Haliaetus (Osprey)
A handsome, water frequenting, fish eating, non-resident hawk. Seen in winter throughout the Indian Union. Visits coastal lagoons, estuaries, rivers, jheels and reservoirs. Breeds in Europe but is said to breed in small numbers along the Himalayas. - 2. Falco Peregrinus Peregrinator (Shahin Falcon)
This powerful, streamlined falcon prefers steep, rugged bills. Flies swiftly and hurls itself at its prey at tremendous speed. The bird can be trained to hunt other birds. Breeds in the entire Indian Union except the desert and semi-desert areas. - 3. Gypateus Barbatus Aureus (Himalayan Bearded Vulture)
A large, impressive, eagle-like vulture with an over (9ft.) wing span, a ‘beard’ of stiff, bristle like feathers. Found in the Himalayas from Ladakh, Kashmir, to NE Assam, at elevations of 1200 to 4000 metres. It soars to immense heights near mountain slopes or valleys. It drops large bones on rocks from a height of 50 to 70 metres, and the splintered bones and marrow form part of its diet. Unlike other vultures, it can take off the ground without a preliminary run. - 4. Aquila Chrysaetos Daphanea (Himalayan Golden Eagle)
This majestic, large and powerful eagle with a wing span of over 6 feet prefers desolate and rugged mountain sites with crags and precipices. Found in altitudes of 1850 to 5500 metres from western Himalayas to Eastern Assam. They hunt singly or in pairs swooping down on its prey with terrific velocity. - Text : J. P. Irani.
