In collaboration with WWF, Guernsey Post will issue stamps of the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), now classified as an endangered species in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, on 15 February 2017, the first day of the Spring edition of Stampex in London, UK.
The attractive Meadow Pipit frequents open habitats of different types, although in the Bailiwick of Guernsey it mainly occurs on the headlands and commons, where it can be seen year-round.
Despite once being a familiar sight in the Bailiwick, research shows that there may be fewer than 100 breeding pairs of the Meadow Pipit in Guernsey and Herm, with neighbouring Alderney experiencing a similar decline. In the UK, numbers have been declining since the mid-1970s, resulting in the species being placed on the amber list of conservation concern.
The main known threat to the species, and the cause for declining numbers, is thought to be agricultural intensification, meaning there are fewer rough grazing areas and therefore fewer places for the species to live and eat in winter.
An attractive creature, the Meadow Pipit is a small, streaky, yellow-brown bird with pale legs, a long hind claw and white outer tail feathers. Its under parts are paler, whitish to greyish, or yellowish-buff. Its slender bill is dark brown and eyes blackish-brown. Its high, piping call – a common upland sound – gives it its common name.
It is thought that the maintenance and promotion of low-intensity farming methods may benefit the Meadow Pipit, although research is needed to identify specific threats.
Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: - “I’m particularly pleased that we’ve been able to feature the Meadow Pipit on our stamps and highlight that it is now, unfortunately, classified by the WWF as an endangered species in the Bailiwick.”
**Stop Press**
UK artist Andrew Robinson, who designed the stamps, will be signing products at Spring Stampex, the Design Centre, Islington, London, between 3-4pm at Guernsey Post’s stand (76) on Thursday 16 February 2017.