Taiwan Birds (IV) FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Birds of Taiwan (4th Series)
Date of Issue: 15 January 2009
Number: Def. 128 (IV)

After having previously issued the first three sets in the “Birds of Taiwan” definitive stamp series (on November 3, 2007 and January 30 and June 5, 2008), this Post is now following up with a fourth set of four stamps, featuring Rostratula benghalensis, Turdus poliocephalus, Amaurornis phoenicurus and Cettia acanthizoides.

Denominations:
NT$0.50: Greater Painted Snipe (彩鷸, Rostratula benghalensis)
This common resident bird is about 25 centimeters in length. The females have a white eye-patch, an obvious yellow stripe extending from the bill to the center of the crown, and a wide white band running up the side of the breast and onto the mantle. The males have a yellow eye-patch. These are the bird's important identifying characteristics.

NT$9.00: Island Thrush (白頭鶇, Turdus poliocephalus niveiceps)
About 22 centimeters in length, it is an uncommon resident bird and an endemic subspecies of Taiwan. The males have a reddish brown belly, an obvious white head, brown eyes, a brown beak, and yellow legs. They often sing while hiding in the dense canopy of trees.

NT$13:00: White-breasted Waterhen (白胸苦惡鳥, Amaurornis phoenicurus)
About 29 centimeters in length, it is a common resident bird of Taiwan. Its crown, back, uppertail coverts, and wings are dark brown. Its face, breast and upper belly are white. Its tail is very short with chestnut red undertail coverts. Its bill is yellow and the base of its upper beak is red. It has yellow feet and very long toes.

NT$17.00: Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler (黃腹樹鶯, Cettia acanthizoides)
A common resident bird and an endemic subspecies of Taiwan, this tiny warbler is about 10 centimeters in length. It has plain plumage, and males and females share similar coloration. The bird is very secretive and not easy to spot. It inhabits mid- to high-altitude mountain areas. It is quick and nimble but seldom flies.

Comment: This is the last issue of this birds definitive series, Chunghwa Post will issue the next definitive series stamp in March, the theme is Taiwan's flowers.

Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (I)
Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (II)
Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (III)
Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (IV)