Tropical Birds
(27 June 2002)

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Malaysia's rainforests house over 400 species of
birds, which are highly dependent on the ecosystem of the equatorial
rainforest. Most species are colorful with bright plumages while some
are rather dull with patterns of brown and grey which are often
difficult to identify. Many species inhibit the forest canopy and
are very seldom seen but their attractive calls, which are the
characteristic sounds of the rainforest, serve to announce their
presence. many have also adapted to habitat change and live in
wooded areas in towns and cities throughout Malaysia and Singapore.
Tourists from abroad visit Malaysia and Singapore in great numbers
to watch and appreciate the beauty of the tropical birds found here.
Tropical birds are most active at dawn when they go
about the serious business of foraging for food. They feed on a
variety of items from worms and termites to berries, seeds and
nectar. During the breeding season, the intensity of feeding
increases in order to provide food for newly hatched chicks.
Observing tropical birds in their natural
environment is a very rewarding experience. Besides the rainforest,
most Malaysian towns or cities hold green patches of woodland which
attract birds. These birds can be comfortably viewed from your
sitting room or verandah, allowing you to appreciate yet one of the
many facets of nature at your very own doorstep. This stamp series
is the first joint issue between Malaysia and Singapore.
Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
This attractive bird is a familiar garden bird in
both Malaysia and Singapore. Approximately 27 cm in length, it is
largely saffron yellow with a prominent black band running from the
eye around the back of the neck. Its melodious fluty song is a
characteristic sound of both urban and rural environments here. This
bird is principally a fruit eater, feeding largely on berries from
fruiting trees or shrubs. It is fairly tame and may be viewed at
relatively close range.
White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis)
This large woodpecker, measuring 43 cm, frequents
the canopy and middle storey of the rainforest. It is largely black
above, contrasting with a white belly below. Both the male and
female have a prominent red crest, which is more prominent and erect
in the male. It moves around singly or in pairs, probing the bark
and branches of trees for food. In Malaysia, it is fairly common but
in Singapore, it is rare, confined to the last few patches of
rainforest there.
Asian Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella)
A fairly robust bird measuring 25 cm in length, the
male is principally shining blue above and black below while the
female is mainly verditer blue. This bird also frequents the forest
canopy in small parties, feeding mainly on fruit. It frequently
visits fruiting fig trees in the forest to feed on ripe fruit
together with other fruit-eating birds. A good songster with loud
flowing songs, it sometimes hawks for insects at the forest edge. In
Singapore, it is confined to the remaining patches of rainforest.
Red-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes rhodolaema)
Measuring 13 cm in length, this sunbird resembles
the much more common Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes
malaccensis) except that the male has a light brick red throat
and dark maroon sides of head and upper wing coverts. It frequents
the forest canopy, feeding largely amongst the flowers of forest
trees. In Malaysia, it is found mainly at low altitudes up to 790 m
above sea level. It has been extinct in Singapore since 1897. Its
call consists mainly of metallic trills and chirps.
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum
trigonostigma)
This tiny bird is found in the forest edge, scrub,
mature plantations and wooded gardens. An active bird, it frequently
gathers in trees and shrubs, feeding on ripe berries. The male often
sings from an exposed perch.
Technical Details
Date of Issue |
27 June 2002 |
Denomination |
30 sen (2 designs),
RM1.00 (2 designs) |
Stamp Size |
30mm X 40mm |
Miniature Sheet
Denomination |
RM5.00 |
Miniature Sheet
Size |
100mm X 70mm |
Stamp Size in
Miniature Sheet |
40mm X 60mm |
Perforation |
14 |
Sheet Content |
20 stamps |
Paper |
SPM Watermarked,
Phosphor Coated |
Printing Process |
Lithography |
Source :
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