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Cape parrot
(Poicephalus robustus)
The Cape parrot is listed in the
Red Data Book of Birds of South
Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland as endangered.
The estimated population of the species in Southern Africa
is only about 1 322 individuals, which means there is a high
probability of extinction in years to come. The Cape Parrot
is the largest parrot of the African genus Poicephalus. It is a
short-tailed, medium-sized bird with a large powerful beak.
The Cape parrot is found in South Africa, including the
Eastern Cape region, as well as in West and East Africa. Its
habitat range includes forest, riverine woodlands, savanna
woodland, montane forests, and lowland forests.
Knysa turaco (lourie) (Tauraco corythaix)
The Knysna turaco or lourie, is arguably one of South Africa’s
most spectacular forest birds. It has a short crest and bright
green upper parts. Its crimson wings are revealed when in
fl ight. The Knysna turaco occurs from the Knysna region,
northwards through the coastal parts of KwaZulu-Natal to the
Drakensberg escarpment. Knysna turacos are usually seen
in pairs or family groups in montane, mist belt and coastal
evergreen forests. They are sometimes also seen in nearby
plantations.
African crowned eagle
(Stephanoaetus coronatus)
The African crowned eagle is a large and powerful bird with
relatively short wings, which are adapted to move with speed
through forest trees. Adults are dark brown with crested
heads and blotched underparts and legs. Younger birds
have white heads and underparts, but become progressively
spotted with maturity. Crowned eagles are usually seen
in pairs in evergreen forests, forested kloofs, dense riparian
forests with large trees and well-wooded hillsides, often near
water.
References:
• Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa, Kenneth Newman,
Southern Book Publishers
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Year_of_Forests
• http://www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/nat/biome.-
htm#Forests
• http://www.birdsinsa.com/birds/telophorusolivaceus.htm
• http://www.birdlife.org.za/adoptaparrot/
Technical information:
Stamp issue date: 15 July 2011
Layout and design: André Olwage
Stamp size: 28.88 x 38 mm portrait
Stamp sheet size: 164.4 x 129 mm landscape
Paper: 102 grams Yellow Green Phosphor Litho gummed
Stamp paper
Quantity printed: 150,000 stamp sheets of 10 stamps
(1,500,000 stamps)
Colour: CMYK
Printing process: Offset Lithography
Printed by: Joh. Enschedé Stamps B.V., The Netherlands
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Setempe May-Aug 2011