Taiwan features a rich abundance of birds. So that the nation’s citizens may cultivate an appreciation for bird species and develop a raised consciousness about the need for conservation, Chunghwa Post has released a new set of four stamps on birds of prey in Taiwan, including Falco tinnunculus, Accipiter virgatus, Circus melanoleucos, and Ictinaetus malayensis. The stamps are described below:
1.Falco tinnunculus (NT$6): With a body length of 33-39 cm, it is a typical bird of prey of open wild areas that primarily preys on small animals. Active and agile, they are often seen over grasslands, skillfully hovering in mid-air as they glide against the wind. The species can be found in coastal wetlands, agricultural lands, foothills, and farmlands in the mid- to high-elevation areas of mountains.
2.Accipiter virgatus (NT$8): With a body length of 25-36 cm, it is the smallest and most elusive of all species of forest-dwelling resident birds of prey in Taiwan. Males have gray cheeks, whereas females have brown cheeks. Both have brown backs and wings. They inhabit various types of forests at low to mid altitudes. Due to their secretive nature, sightings are comparatively rare. However, their distinctive call, a long series of chirps, is frequently heard in the forests.
3.Circus melanoleucos (NT$12): It has a body length of 43-50 cm. Males are distinctly black and white, with black heads, chests, backs, and wingtips forming a sharp contrast with the white feathers of their abdomens and wings. The black on their wings and backs forms a distinctive trident pattern, making for one of the sharpest color contrasts in the plumage of any bird of prey in Taiwan. However, females are more mottled and subdued in color. They prefer environments such as paddy fields, wetlands, and marshes.
4.Ictinaetus malayensis (NT$28): It has a body length of 67-81 cm. Males and females are almost identical in size and color, with deep brown plumage throughout their bodies. They have the longest wingspans among all of Taiwan’s resident birds and the darkest coloration among all of Taiwan’s birds of prey. They inhabit broadleaved forests and coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest, from high-altitude areas of mountains to lower areas around human settlements. Their flight is steady and spectacular, and they do not undertake long-distance migrations.

(1) First Day Cover (195 mm × 120 mm): NT$3 apiece
(2) Folder (with or without mount): NT$8 apiece
(3) Loose-leaf album page: NT$8 apiece
(4) Pre-cancelled FDC affixed with one NT$6-denominated stamp:
NT$9 apiece
(5) Pre-cancelled FDC affixed with a full set of stamps:
NT$57 apiece

To purchase the relative philatelic products, please go directly to the post office branches, Postal Museum or order on line at https://stamp.post.gov.tw