On 9th May 2019, MaltaPost will join other European postal administrations by the release of a philatelic stamp set bearing the theme ‘National Birds'.
EUROPA stamps underline cooperation between European postal administrations and seek to promote philately and build awareness of the common goals, roots, culture and history of Europe.

This issue features two stamps of the Blue Rock Thrush, the national bird of the Maltese Islands the bird locally known as ‘il-Merill'. It is a starling-sized bird, circa 23 cm in length with a long slim bill. The male features a striking blue colour with darker wings and tail - an appealing contrast to the less striking female with its brownish-grey colour.

The stamps will be issued in a sheet of 11 stamps, with each stamp measuring 44mm x 31mm, with a comb perforation 14.0 x 13.9 and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measures 150mm x 158mm and were produced by Printex Ltd in the offset process. The issue consists of 30,200 of the €0.59 stamp and 33,000 of the €2.00 stamp. The photography is by Joe Sultana, BirdLife Malta.

The €0.59 stamp will be Malta's entry for the ‘2019 EUROPA Online Stamp Contest'. The contest is an annual online event where creative entries from across Europe compete for the best design.

This philatelic issue will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo as from Thursday 9th May 2019. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

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