Since 1993, PostEurop has been responsible for issuing EUROPA stamps. For this year postal administrations throughout Europe have issued philatelic stamps depicting 'National Birds' as the common theme. Malta Post presented its contribution to this philatelic contest that consists of two stamps. Both items show the Blue Rock Thrush locally known as 'il-Merill'. This bird was chosen as the national bird of the Maltese Islands in 1970.
The Blue Rock Thrush is a solitary bird which resides in cliffs, especially the ones near the coast. The male's body is all blue with black wings and tail. The female is not colourful like the male is, as it is dark brown in colour. The Merill is widely known for its melodious song which is intended to maintain territory or during the mating season between February and May. The representatives of this bird species may live up to 10 years. The Blue Rock Thrush population in Malta is quite a strong one, with it being present along all the cliffs of western and northern coasts of mainland Malta.
Take a look at other beautiful Europa 2019 stamps.
