Romfilatelia released a postage stamp issue consisting of four items with the title Peafowls. This popular theme fits into the preferences of postage stamps collectors and this new issue will complete their collections with the images of three extant species of peafowl such as the Congo peafowl, the green peafowl, and the Indian peafowl. This beautiful philatelic issue was designed by George Ursachi.
Peafowls are named in the Indian mythology the “the gods’ vehicles”, because the legend says that Shiva’s son, Karthikeya, is represented flying on the back of a peafowl. The peafowl originates in Sri Lanka and India, but the beauty of its plumage has made it spread even in other parts of the world. It is one of the largest flying birds, but spends more time running, than flying.
The Congo peafowl or the African peafowl (Afropavo congensis), which appeared on 1.80 Lei stamp, is spread in the tropical rainforests of the Congo River. This type of peafowl has a large-size appearance. Their plumage is special, with white stripes on the crown, some specimens having their neck partially discovered.
The green peafowl (Pavo muticus) is represented on the second postage stamp of this issue, with the face value of Lei 5. This species of peafowl is found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Because of its attractive appearance, the green peafowl faces the threats of hunting for wild meat, collection for feathers, and the pet trade.
The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is of a legendary beauty, declared the national bird of India, known in two colour variants: blue and white, the subspecies being represented on the third and fourth postage stamp of the issue with the face values of Lei 8.50 and Lei 12. It is part of the family of peafowls (Phasianidae) and of Galliforme order, originating from India.
See also other marvelous bird stamps.
