Endandgered Birds of India [05-Oct-06]

Theme: Birds
Title: ENDANGERED BIRDS OF INDIA
Date Of Issue: 5-Oct-2006
Denomination: 500(Ps)
No/Issue Sheet: 4
Printing Process: Photogravure
Nos. Printed: 3 Million
Printer: India Security Press Nashik

The earth sustains myriad forms of life, but not all forms have survived down the ages. Many animal species have become extinct, and many more are endangered. The greatest threat to animal today is posed by the rapid shrinking of physical habitat, largely due to the pressures of human population growth around the world: In bringing out a set of four commemorative stamps and maxim cards on endangered bird species, India Posts celebrates the unique beauty of each, while carrying forwards the message of conversation.

Stamp-1. MANIPUR BUSH-QUAIL, "PERDICULA MANIPURENSIS":- Inhabits stands of tall grassland and feeds in groups in the open, on grass, seeds, wild lenthils, and insects. Once endemic to the wet grasslands of north east India, there has been no confirmed sighting of the birds since 1935.

Stamp-2. LESSER FLORICAN,"SYPHEOTIDES INDICA " . A large bird of the bustard family and the only member of genus sypheotides. Inhabiting grasslands including standing fields of cotton and millets, the birds feed on grain, green shoots, seeds, and beetles.

Stamp-3. GREATER ADJUTANT STORK, "LEPTOPTILOS DUBIUS" :- A large wading bird of the stork family Ciconiidae, the bird is found in the tropical wetlands of north and north east of India. This is a huge bird, typically 145 to 150 cm tall with a 250 cm wingspan. The birds feed mainly on frogs, large insects, reptiles, lizards and fish.

Stamp-4. NILGIRI LAUGHINGTHRUSH. "GARRULAX CACHINNANS" :-Endemic to the Nilgri hills, this species feeds on insects and berries especially wild raspberry and hill guava. A noisy bird, its callis a spirited 'laughing', oft repeated. It breeds during February to July and makes a cup shaped nest pf grass, rootlets, moss etc. in a brush or a small tree.