Stamps of Iceland: Endangered Birds Issue (2011)

The World Wide Fund for Nature celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. On this occasion Iceland Post is issued 4 stamps with endangered birds as motifs. A comprehensive survey of endangered birds was first issued in the year 2000 listing 32 bird species which account for 42% of all Icelandic breeding birds. Not all these species are in immediate danger of extinction. Barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) migrates mainly from northern regions.

These birds stop over in Iceland for some weeks every year. The breeding population has increased somewhat in the last few decades. White-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a migratory bird in Iceland.

The population numbers around 25.000 birds and has been decreasing during the last decade. Common scoter (Melanitta nigra) is one of the rarer species of ducks breeding in Iceland. It is a migratory bird and is wholly protected in Iceland. Gadwall (Anas strepera) was probably first seen in Iceland in the 19th century

It is estimated that the breeding population numbers 200–300 pairs, mainly around Mývatn. It is a migratory birg with its main winter quarters in Ireland. It is wholly protected in Iceland.

Technical Details

Issue Date: 27.01.2011
Designer: Örn Smári Gíslason
Printer: Joh. Enschedé Security Print, Haalem, Holland
Process: Offset Litho
Size: 42,00 x 30,45 mm
Values: 97.00, 97.00, 165.00, 165.00 ISK

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