Taiwan Blue Magpie: Conservation of Birds Postage Stamp Pictorial

Taiwain Post Co. Ltd. , 2008. Hardcover. New/No Dustjacket as issued. . New Old Stock. Text in Chinese and English. A hardcover book with text and many photos of the birds in color. About 8 1/2" x 11 1/4"; 24 pages, with slipcase. Includes 4 individual stamps, a Souvenir sheet with 4 stamps, and 4 post cards from the Republic of China -Taiwan distributed in pocket through text. The Taiwan blue magpie is a member of the Corvidae family and a protected species endemic to Taiwan. Its head and breast are black. The rest of its body is blue. Its tail feathers are exceptionally long. The bird’s gorgeous plumage makes it a frequent target of hunters. Overdevelopment and pollution pose an even more serious threat. To call attention to the importance of ecological conservation, this Post specially commissioned Professor Yuan Hsiao-wei at National Taiwan University to plan a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet on the Taiwan blue magpie. The stamp designs follow: 1. Foraging: Taiwan blue magpie is an omnivorous bird. Its diverse diet, group living habit, large stature, and combative nature are all advantageous traits in terms of survival. Its food storing behavior gives it another survival advantage in the face of natural change. 2. Rearing the young: Taiwan blue magpies are cooperative breeders; individuals other than a chick’s parents, including both other adults and sub-adults, can help provide care and that ensure group survival. 3. Sub-adults: In most bird species, the parents gradually drive their young away to find their own territory after they are grown, yet the sub-adults of Taiwan blue magpies stay to help rear their younger siblings. 4. Flying: Also known as “long-tailed mountain ladies,” Taiwan blue magpies live in groups. When they fly in a line, it appears as if they are building beautiful “bird bridges” in the forests. The sight is magnificent.