Niue is one of the world's largest coral islands. The terrain consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast with a central plateau rising to about 60 metres above sea level. A coral reef surrounds the island, with the only major break in the reef being in the central western coast, close to the capital, Alofi. A notable feature is the number of limestone caves found close to the coast. A quarter of Niue consist of virgin rainforest, it is little surprise that there is an equally stunning array of exotic birdlife complementing this island paradise.
While many fascinating birds call Niue home, this bird-themed stamp issued by Niue Post features three of Niue's favourite species on July 06,2011.The individual stamps in this issue are depict bird species, Miti, Heahea, and Kulukulu.
$1.70 Miti
The miti (Aplonis tabuensis) or The Polynesian Starling is a sociable bird as species of the family Sturnidae. Distinguishable by it's stubby bill and mainly brown feathering, the miti can often be heard whistling as it perches on branches above the rainforest canopy. Their natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and tropical moist forests. It is found in American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, the Santa Cruz Islands, and Wallis and Futuna Islands. Various subspecies exist throughout this wide range, some darker in coloration and some lighter. Its call is a raspy buzz or rattle. Diet is fruit and insects.
$2.00 Heahea
The heahea (Lalage maculosa) or The Polynesian Triller is a passerine bird , an active and noisy bird that is also one of Niue's most approachable birds. With a variety of calls this fast flying black-and-white bird is also distinguishable by the its black eye-stripe and narrow white tail tip. It is 15 to 16 cm long. The plumage varies geographically; some populations are contrastingly black and white while others have more grey or brown coloration.
This bird is belonging to triller genus Lalage in the cuckoo-shrike family Campephagidae. It has numerous subspecies distributed across the islands of the south-west Pacific.
The breeding range extends through Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu and the Santa Cruz Islands. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including man-made habitats such as plantations and gardens. It feeds on insects such as caterpillars and also feeds on fruit.
$2.40 Kulukulu
The kulukulu or Ptilinopus porphyraceus or The Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove also known the Purple-capped Fruit Dove is very distinctive and tropical in colouring, with a green and grey body with hints of bright yellow. Its a species of bird in the Columbidae family. What makes it really stand out though is its crimson crown. These doves tend to live in a pair or alone, and feed mainly on berries.
This vibrant collection also includes a shaped miniature sheet produced in the shape of two hega (Vini australis). Bright green in colour, these parrots are adorned with a blue/purple crown and a red chin, throat, cheeks and upper belly. Similar miniature sheets sold out quickly last year, so be sure you don't miss out on your own brightly coloured parrots!
It is found in American Samoa, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
1 comment:
wonderful stamps with fantastic birds.
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