TECHNICAL DETAILS 

 
Birds of United Arab Emirates

This is the second edition in a series of stamps depicting indigenous birds of the UAE to be released, and illustrates four more species which are special to Arabia in general and the United Arab Emirates in particular. The United Arab Emirates has one of the greatest diversity of bird species found anywhere in the Middle East. Over 400 species occur including over 80 breeding species.

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

The Lesser Kestrel is a globally threatened species which occurs only in the United Arab Emirates as a passage migrant. At least 450 birds pass through almost unnoticed in spring, usually in small flocks. It depends on locusts and large caterpillars for food and is most likely to be found from March to April over the irrigated fields along the agricultural belt between Shuaib and Ras al Khaimah. 

Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis 

This species, endemic to Arabia and formerly present in large numbers offshore in the Arabian Gulf, is now under serious pressure from man as its important island nest sites become disturbed by development and human intrusion. It would be a pity to lose forever the impressive spectacle of thousands of birds flying in formation, the sheer numbers some times taking an hour or two just to fly past.

Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor 

This striking bird is a true desert species, spending most of its time hunting small insects on the gravel plains of the interior. It nests early in the season, fledging its young be- fore the penetrating heat of summer begins in June. At this time family groups disperse to cooler areas, usually near water and it is not uncommon to find them feeding in the parks and golf courses on the outskirts of Dubai.

Hoopoe Upupa epops  

Probably one of the country's most exotic and recognisable species, its numbers have risen steadily in the last 10 years in response to the increase in mature trees planted as part of the country's afforestation policy. The resident population is swollen by thousands which pass through in spring and autumn on their migration between Asia and Africa.

This series of stamps is the second to feature the wild Birds of the U.A.E. They have been produced with the assistance of Mr. Colin Richardson, the author of the book called ( The Birds of United Arab Emirates.)