Estonia Post issued a set of two beautiful Europa 2019 stamps that feature the barn swallow, which is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. They’re found on every continent except Antarctica This special issue was designed by Indrek Ilves and shows the bird in flight, and its close up image. Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful set and appreciate other Europa 2019 stamps.
One of the most familiar birds in rural areas and semi-open country, the barn swallow is often seen skimming low over fields with a flowing, graceful flight. It seems to have adopted humans as neighbors, typically placing its nest in barns or garages. The barn swallow is widely recognizable with its dark blue backs, reddish face, deeply forked tail and its aerial acrobatic skills.
The Estonian Ornithological Society picked the barn swallow for bird of the year 2011. On the one hand, the Society wanted to mark its round 90th anniversary with the image of the bird in its logo. On the other hand, its purpose was to make Estonian people concern about the welfare of our national bird.
