
Amongst the many different themes that were submitted at the latest PostEurop`s meeting, “National Birds” was the theme that obtained the highest number of votes from the Members for 2019, following the 2018 EUROPA theme “Bridges”. Though Liechtenstein Post does not have a national bird of its own, it decided to create two impressive stamps depicting the golden eagle. Created by Peter Vetsch, the stamps have such motifs: “Golden Eagle Approaching” and “Golden Eagle on the Lookout”.
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest and fastest birds. It got such a name because of the gold feathers that gleam on the back of its head and neck. Because of the small size Liechtenstein can boast of only has a few pairs of these birds of prey. It has a wingspan of more than two metres and its prey includes mammals, birds and carrion. Golden eagles usually live in the open space of mountains above the tree line but in the winter it will also forage for prey in lower regions. For centuries, this species has been one of the most highly regarded birds used in falconry. Due to its hunting prowess, the golden eagle is regarded with great mystic reverence in some ancient, tribal cultures.