World Wetlands Day, held every year on 2 February, marks the date of the adoption of the intergovernmental treaty the Convention on Wetlands. The New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Collection is issued every year on this date; the 2019 issue is the 26th in the series and features the chukar (Alectoris chukar).
Issue information
The chukar, or chukor, is named onomatopoetically after its distinctive ‘chukar-chukar’ crow.
A species of partridge, chukars are found primarily in the high country of the South Island. The current population is presumed to be a hybrid of two forms imported from different parts of Asia in the early to mid-20th century. Despite efforts by Fish and Game New Zealand and other groups to boost the population, numbers appear to be in decline.
The chukar has a medium-sized, round body, with a bright red bill and reddish-pink legs. Its plumage is made up of grey, black, white and chestnut feathers, with a distinctive black band that runs across the forehead and eyes and down the side of the neck, joining at the breast.
The 2019 New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Collection consists of a stamp, miniature sheet, first day cover, miniature sheet first day cover and limited edition artist print. The chukar has been digitally illustrated by Wellington artist Stephen Fuller.
Chukars inhabit dry hill country, open shrubland and tussock lands with rock outcrops east of the Southern Alps, up to 2,000 metres above sea level. The largest populations are found in the Nelson Lakes National Park, Seaward Kaikōura Range, Mackenzie country and the ranges of Central Otago.
The average clutch of eggs is eight, incubated by the female only. Young are cared for in family groups, accompanied by several adults. They have been known to form coveys of up to 150 individuals.
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 2 February 2019 |
|---|---|
| Denomination and design: | $10.00, Chukar |
| Stamp, miniature sheet and first day cover illustrations by: | Steven Fuller, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 52mm x 37.5mm (horizontal) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 110mm x 90mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.25 |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until close of business 1 February 2020. Prints are available for three years after issue. |
