This is a Uratelornis chimaera, or a long-tailed ground-roller that is only found in a small section of south-western Madagascar only 30-60 km wide and 200 km long. They were considered threatened in 1988 and have been vulnerable since 1994. The forests where it lives are not protected by the Malagasy government and there is widespread slash and burn agriculture as well as logging. This bird has the longest tail of the ground rollers at up to 12" of the bird's 19" length. It has a plump body and short wings and rarely flies, but it apparently can run very fast. Also, the female loses her magnificent tail feathers when nesting.
for the letter M - Madagascar
Two links for me this week - you will see why one the first.
ReplyDeleteThis stamp from Madagascar is a beauty.
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DeleteWhat a beautiful bird. It must be exciting to see it in the wild.
ReplyDeleteSo many fascinating species in Madagascar, pity a lot are under threat. Love those stamp feathers.
ReplyDeleteI like the unusual contrast of two colors that are not opposite on the color wheel. A classic stamp.
ReplyDeleteA special stamp design which I like. It seems as if the bird appears unexpected from the bush on the stamp :-)
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