Sp. 522 Conservation of Birds Postage Stamps — Taiwan Blue Magpie

Taiwan blue magpie is a member of the Corvidae family and a protected species endemic to Taiwan. Its head and breast are black. The rest of its body is blue. Its tail feathers are exceptionally long. The bird’s gorgeous plumage makes it a frequent target of hunters. Overdevelopment and pollution pose an even more serious threat. To call attention to the importance of ecological conservation, this Post specially commissioned Professor Yuan Hsiao-wei at National Taiwan University to plan a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet on the Taiwan blue magpie. The designs follow:

1. Foraging (NT$5.00): Taiwan blue magpie is an omnivorous bird. Its diverse diet, group living habit, large stature, and combative nature are all advantageous
traits in terms of survival. Its food storing behavior gives it another survival advantage in the face of natural change.
2. Rearing the young (NT$5.00): Taiwan blue magpies are cooperative breeders; individuals other than a chick’s parents, including both other adults and sub-adults, can help provide care and that ensure group survival.
3. Sub-adults (NT$12.00): In most bird species, the parents gradually drive their young away to find their own territory after they are grown, yet the sub-adults of Taiwan blue magpies stay to help rear their younger siblings.
4. Flying (NT$12.00): Also known as “long-tailed mountain ladies,” Taiwan blue magpies live in groups. When they fly in a line, it appears as if they are building beautiful “bird bridges” in the forests. The sight is magnificent.

(1) First Day Cover to be sold at NT$2.00 apiece.
(2) First Day Cover in large size to be sold at NT$3.00 apiece.
(3) Folder especially prepared for the stamps to be sold at NT$5.00 apiece.
(4) Folder with crystal mount for better protection of the stamps to be sold at NT$5.00 apiece.
(5) Folder with crystal mount for better protection of a souvenir sheet to be sold at NT$8.00 apiece.
(6) Loose-leaf stamp album page with plastic cover to be sold at NT$16.00 apiece.
(7) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a low-valued stamp to be sold at NT$7.00 apiece.
(8) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a complete set of stamps to be sold at NT$36.00 apiece.
(9) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a souvenir sheet to be sold at NT$37.00 apiece.
(10) Pictorial to be sold at NT$220.00 apiece.

To purchase relative stamps, please go directly to the post office branches, or order on line at http://stamp.post.gov.tw.