Birds

The Latvian Ornithological Society has recognised the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) as Bird of the Year 2020 in order to obtain more information about the distribution of this species in the territory of Latvia. The common kingfisher is one of the most vivid birds in Latvia – its wings and the top of its head are dark blue-green with lighter spots, its back is light metallic blue, the plumage on its abdomen is orange, and there are white areas under its chin and on its neck. The common kingfisher can usually be found near waters with steep shores, where it feeds on a daily basis from small fish that it catches in the water with its black and massive beak.

The hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) depicted on the other stamp can be found throughout Latvia – it inhabits mixed coniferous and deciduous forests. Hazel grouses are resident birds – not only do they not go to warm countries, but also they do not tend to wander far. The body of these birds is thick-set, the neck is relatively short, the head is small, the tail is short, while the wings are rounded and short, which means that they are not suitable for long flight. The hazel grouse’s plumage colour is camouflage – greyish tawny-brown with white and black feather tips.