Nilgiri Flycatcher
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Birds - Series 1: Near Threatened |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 17, 2016 |
| Denomination | Rs. 10 |
| Quantity | 300,000 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3010 Yvert et Tellier IN 2722 Stanley Gibbons IN 3183 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Birds |
The Nilgiri Flycatcher, Eumyias albicaudatus, is a charming and vibrant bird found exclusively in the Western Ghats of southern India. This high-elevation specialist is one of the region’s prized endemics. Classified as Near Threatened (NT) by the IUCN, the Nilgiri Flycatcher faces pressures from habitat loss and landscape changes.
An Endemic Jewel of the Western Ghats
The Nilgiri Flycatcher inhabits:
- Evergreen hill forests and woodlands
- Forest edges and shaded clearings
- Dense vegetation near streams
- Shola forests, coffee estates, and cardamom plantations
It is most abundant at higher elevations above 1,200 metres, where its deep blue plumage adds a splash of colour to the mist-laden Western Ghat landscapes. The bird usually forages alone or in loose flocks, feeding on insects and berries within the lower layers of the forest.
Conservation Status
Listed as Near Threatened, the Nilgiri Flycatcher shows signs of decline due to:
- Loss of evergreen forest cover
- Encroachment into forested lands
- Livestock grazing pressures
- Harvesting of forest products, especially bamboo and canes
- Growing human settlements across the Western Ghats
Although it tolerates moderately altered habitats, continued habitat modification poses long-term risks to its survival.
Commemorative Postage Stamp
The Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the Nilgiri Flycatcher, drawing attention to its conservation needs.
Features of the Stamp
- Part of a four-stamp set dedicated to Near Threatened (NT) bird species of India.
- Beautifully portrays the Nilgiri Flycatcher in its lush hill-forest surroundings.
- Highlights the bird’s distinctive deep blue colouration and elegant posture.
- Serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Western Ghats.
A Symbol of Western Ghat Biodiversity
Through this commemorative stamp, the Department of Posts underscores the importance of preserving the unique avifauna of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. The Nilgiri Flycatcher stands as a symbol of both the beauty and vulnerability of this treasured ecological landscape.
First Day Cover
