Lithuania Brids FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Nature of The Sanctuaries of Čepkeliai and Kotra (Lithuania - Belarus Joint Issue)
Issue date: 2007 October 3rd

Design:
2.9 Lt(left): Great Snipe (Gallinago media)
2.9 Lt(right): Corncrake (Crex crex)

Čepkeliai Nature Reserve, situated on the southern edge of Lithuania, consists of the biggest array of marsh in the country, overgrown continental dunes, forests and relic lakes. The River Katra marks the southern boundary of the reserve as well as the state border with Belarus. Behind it the Katra sanctuary runs in Belarus.Specific nature conditions have determined a wide variety of rare plant, insect, amphibian, reptile and bird species. Here breed the biggest populations of Great Snipes in Lithuania as well as Corncrakes, which are rare in other areas. Čepkeliai has become a safe shelter for these birds.

The Great Snipe (Gallinago media) is a very rare bird of the family Scolopacidae in Lithuania and is considered as a universally declining bird species included to the Red Data Book of Lithuania. A bird’s body reaches up to 28 cm in length; weight is 62-74 g. When flying may be recognized from white sides of the tail and 2 or 3 white strips along the wings.

The Corncrake (Crex crex) is a bird of the family Rallidae, also included to the Red Data Book of Lithuania. It lives in damp meadows and the valleys of rivers. Nests in high grass. Runs very fast and feels itself better on the ground than in the air. Flies badly and slowly. The body reaches up to 23 cm in length; weight is 130-190 g. When flying may be recognized from brown sides of the body and quite long outstretched legs.