Mali- Common Kingfisher ( Alcedo atthis )

Common Kingfisher ( Alcedo atthis

) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of John James Audubon

Thailand-Common Green Magpie

The common green magpie (Cissa chinensis) is a spectacular looking bird, with it's emerald green feathers and bright orange bill . It's habitat is from the lower Himalayas, through Thailand, Malaysia & Sumatra  to Northwestern Borneo.
The stamp issued in 1976 is part of a 4v set . Postmarked in Bangkok.

Germany- Bird of the Year 2013

The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) was bird of the year in Germany 2013. Although not yet on the threatened list the numbers have declined steadily over the years mainly due to habitat destruction from field drainage and agriculture. Snipe are migratory and  breed in marshy areas of northern Europe and northern Asia. Snipe have always been  popular  as gamebirds and hunting continues within its range. The pictorial postmark cancels the commemorative stamp of Jasmund National Park famous for its massive chalk cliffs but also home to many snipe in the marshes and wetland areas.

Denmark- Common Kestrel ( Falso tinnunculus)

Denmark 2004 Birds of Prey- from the 4v set is this small raptor a Common Kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus) which belongs to the kestrel group of the Falcon family ( Falconidae). It is widespread over Europe , Asia and Africa. In Britain, it is the only kestrel which has a brown plumage.
 Postmarked in Sydjyllands, Denmark

Czech Republic- Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

From the latest  Karlstejn National Park nature sheet from the Czech Republic comes a Common Buzzard - a  medium to large sized bird of prey  seen all over Europe with their range extending to Asia. THe Buzzard is flying over the  High Gothic castle Karlsteyn  built by Czech king and Roman Emperor Charles 1V in 1348.   Postmarked from Vodochody.

Germany-Bird of the Year 2013

Many countries now select a "Bird of the Year" to bring attention to  threatened of species. This year Germany selected to highlight  the Common Snipe ( (Gallinago gallinago) - a migratory  wading bird of the Old World which breeds in marshy wetlands in Northern Europe and Northern Asia. During courtship display, the bird vibrates its tail feathers creating a  sound which can be similar to a bleating sheep or goat. In many languages the bird is also known as the Goat bird, Flying Goat, Heather-bleater or Heaven's ram.
These attractive commemorative postmarks have been issued annually since 1971.

Hong Kong-Barn Swallow & Northern Shoveller, Little Egret, Common Tern

Thematic collectors love postal stationary and today an aerogram arrived from Hong Kong with a delightful image of a Barn Swallow  (Hirundo Rustica) in flight. In the background you can see a Northern Shoveller ( Anas clypeata), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and a Common tern ( Stera hirundo).
Posted from Hong Kong on June 1, the aerogram took 10 days to arrive.

Switzerland-Kingfisher 1966

This is the first bird stamp produced by Switzerland , 1966 River Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) for a publicity issue for the Preservation of Natural Beauty. Other names for this bird are Common Kingfisher and Eurasian kingfisher. Postmarked in Zurich, its a very colorful and popular bird seen on more than 100 different stamps.