Indian Peacock and Mauritius Kestrel
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India-Mauritius Joint Issue : Birds |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | November 2, 2023 |
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 111,000 |
| Perforation | 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Mr. Anuj Kumar |
| Catalog Codes |
Colnect codes IN 2023.11.02-01a |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Birds | Birds of prey | Diplomacy | Joint Issues | Peacocks |
Symbols of National Pride
The Indian Peacock – National Bird of India
The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus), declared the National Bird of India in 1963, stands as a vibrant emblem of the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. With its dazzling iridescent blue and green plumage, fan-shaped crest, and long ornamental tail feathers, the peacock embodies grace, beauty, and majesty.
The male peacock, with its magnificent bronze-green tail of nearly 200 elongated feathers, is celebrated in Indian mythology and folklore as a symbol of joy, prosperity, and divine beauty. Sacred to many communities, the bird is closely associated with the goddess Saraswati and Lord Krishna, reflecting India’s deep spiritual and cultural traditions.
By choosing the Indian Peacock as its national bird, India emphasized the values of elegance, vibrance, and cultural continuity, qualities that resonate deeply with the nation’s identity.
The Mauritius Kestrel – National Bird of Mauritius
The Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus), one of the rarest birds of prey in the world, was declared the National Bird of Mauritius in 2022, on the 30th Anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius. Endemic to the island, it inhabits cliffs, ravines, and forested regions, where it builds nests in natural cavities and tall trees.
Once on the brink of extinction in the 1970s, when only a handful of birds remained, the Mauritius Kestrel has made a remarkable comeback thanks to the Mauritius Kestrel Recovery Programme. Initiated in 1973, this pioneering conservation project involved hand-rearing chicks and translocating them to safer habitats. Today, the species stands as a global conservation success story, symbolizing resilience, revival, and the nation’s dedication to protecting its natural heritage.
The Joint Stamp – Celebrating India–Mauritius Friendship
To mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius, a Joint Commemorative Stamp Issue has been released by the Department of Posts (India) and Mauritius Post. Featuring the Indian Peacock and the Mauritius Kestrel, the stamp highlights not only the countries’ enduring friendship but also their commitment to preserving natural heritage.
This philatelic issue serves as a timeless reminder of two nations united by history, culture, and a shared vision of conservation and cooperation.
First Day Cover
