Thanks Thomas for the complete WWF Bird stamps MNH from Lithuania... Love them alot... This set of stamp was issued in 2008 and depicts the European Roller (Coracias Garrulus).
Rollers are unmistakeable birds, except perhaps in silhouette when their large heads and floppy-winged flight may recall a Jackdaw. In decent light though the blue wings and underparts and rich red mantle are easy to see even on the duller juveniles. Rollers nests in holes in trees, rock faces or buildings. They feed in open or semi-open areas often perching on wires.
The Roller gets its name from the spectacular tumbling displays of the male in which it dives and rolls, flashing the dazzling colours of its wings.
The European Roller has a large global population, including an estimated 100,000-220,000 individuals in Europe. However, following a moderate decline during 1970-1990, the species has continued to decline especially in Europe, with overall European exceeding 30% in three generations (15 years). In Estonia the 50-100 pairs in 1998 have reduced to no known breeding pairs in 2004; in Latvia and Lithuania populations have decreased from several thousand of pairs in the 1970s to under 30 pairs in 2004. In Russia it has disappeared from the northern part of its range. However, there is no evidence of any declines in Central Asia.
The declines in the European population has resulted in its Red List status being upgraded from Least Concern to Near Threatened in 2005. Threats include persecution on migration in some Mediterranean countries and hundreds, perhaps thousands, are shot for food in Oman every spring. Use of pesticides reduces food availability, and the species is sensitive to changing farming and forestry practices.
PS: Looking forward to more friendly exchanges with u.
Love this beautiful MINT postcard... simply superb...
