COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

Birds Issue XII - Black-crowned Night Heron

Issue Date: 10th February 2006







Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax cyanocephalus, is the only resident breeding species of Heron found in the Falkland Islands. The species is found in South and North America, Eurasia, Africa, Philippines, Japan and Hawaii, while the race N.c.cyancephalus is restricted to the Falkland Islands.

A medium sized heron, birds stand 14-15 inches (36-38 cm) in height. Adult birds have predominately dove grey to light blue grey wings, back and tail. Underparts, breast, chin and forehead are creamy white. A blue-black cap on the head extends down the nape. From this two fine white plumes, known as filoplumes extend to the shoulder. Adult birds have a striking crimson iris to the eyes.

First year birds in contrast are dark brown to grey-brown with light buff coloured striations to the head and foreparts. The back and wings are marked with distinctive light buff marks resembling "tear drops" in shape. The eyes of immatures display a golden-yellow iris. Full adult plumage is attained in the fourth year.

In the Falkland Islands the species is widely distributed in most coastal areas, although population numbers appear to vary from area to area depending on feeding habitats. Where there are extensive tidal ranges allowing birds to feed in shallows and tidal pools, birds are more common. Generally the species feeds on small fish and other marine life, but some populations are known to take the young of other birds and possibly mice.

Technical details:-

Designer: Ian Strange
Printer: BDT International
Process: Lithography
Perforation: 14 per 2cms
Stamp size: 30.56 x 38mm
Sheet Layout: 50 (2 x 25)
Release date: 10 February 2006
Production Co-ordination: Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd




Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited