|
|
From days of old, birds have aroused man's curiosity. Their vivid colours, joyful singing, and above all, their ability to fly, have excited man's imagination. Israelis unique for its large variety of habitats, as well as being located along one of the principal global bird migration routes. As a result, more than 500 different avian species may be found in Israel.
The Israel Ornithology Center, the Israel Raptor Information Center and the Israel Bird Ringing Center, which are part of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, organize the greater part of ornithological activities in Israel. These activities concentrate on three main fields: nature conservation, research and education.
Over the years, as a result of intensified education in nature conservation and the increase in the number of active bird-watchers, the number of bird species seen in Israel has been rising constantly.
The birds appearing on this series of stamps belong to the Passeriformes, or as they are commonly called - songbirds. This group includes over 5,000 species, of which 192 may be found in Israel.
Sinai - Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus
This desert finch owes its name to the colour of the male plumage in spring. Its head and breast are pink, its wings and tail brown, and it has a strong, grey bill. It is about 15 centimetres long and weighs about 20 grams. The Sinai Rosefinch gathers seeds and other plant parts on The ground, and since it needs a regular water supply, may often be seen near water sources in the desert. Except for the nesting season, these finches live in flocks easily located by their calls. The Sinai Rosefinch is a rare, resident species in the Eilat and central Negev areas, but more common in southern Sinai. Its nest is hidden in crevices in cliffs.
