2017-06-19 Mon

India is rich in all the aspects! Being the seventh largest country in the world, India has a variety of geographical zones with at least three biodiversity hotspots. It is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries and is host to a wide spectrum of flora and fauna. Interestingly, India is home to nearly 12% of the world’s bird species with more than 1263 bird species in total, which is probably more than what is found in the whole of Europe!

In an attempt to commemorate the bird species unique to India, India Post had issued a set of four stamps in 1975.

Indian Pitta bird or the Pitta Brachyuran featured on a 25 paise stamp. This is a passerine bird endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Asian Black-headed Oriole sometimes also referred to as Black-Hooded Oriole is depicted on 50 paise stamp. Western Tragopan or Sonalu which is the official State Bird of Himachal Pradesh is depicted on a Re.1 stamp. The state bird of Uttarakhand and the national bird of Nepal, Monal Pheasant is featured on a Rs.2 stamp!

Isn’t it exciting!