Birds of Latvia - 2011

Latvia Post has issued a set of two stamps series feature Latvian Birds, following the previous  series “Birds of Latvia  2010” on September 23, 2011. The issued stamps depict Icterine Warbler and Snake Eagle, design by  artist Ģirts Grīva .

Hippolais icterina

The Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) is a small songbird, found in the territory of Latvia from early spring to fall. The bird is most frequently found in bushes of woodland, as well as in parks and gardens; it loves being near water. The Icterine Warbler is insectivorous, but also takes other food items, such as berries. The Icterine Warbler's song sounds like a fast murmur.

The Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) is an Old World warbler in the tree warbler genus Hippolais. The term icterine refers to its yellowish colouration. It breeds in mainland Europe except the southwest.It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.

The stamps are accompanied by a release of two first-day envelopes and special cancellations. The envelopes show the Icterine Warbler and the Snake Eagle in their typical environment, while the cancellation depicts each bird graphically.

Circaetus gallicus

The Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) is a bird of prey mainly found in Latvia in the eastern part of the country. Snake eagles nest in forests alternating with open plains, in Latvia - in forests at high marshes. The bird's prey is mostly snakes, but also some lizards, amphibians, birds and mammals. The Snake Eagle calls out more frequently than many other diurnal birds; it has a whistle-like call.

The Black-chested Snake Eagle or Snaked Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) is a large African bird of prey of the Accipitridae family. The main identification character of this bird is its dark brown head and chest, to which it owes its name. In flight the dark head contrasts with the underparts and underwings, which are white apart from dark barring on the flight feathers and tail. The upperparts are dark brown, and the eye is yellow.