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THE NATION’S ducks are being celebrated in the latest special collection of Royal Mail stamps, writes Oliver Cureton- Phillips.
The company has announced the selection which depicts a range of wild and domestic ducks, ready for collectors to snap up.
Ducks are a familiar species worldwide and are much-loved by people in the UK with 22 symbolic species still living in the country today.
The featured ten duck breeds on the stamps can be found throughout UK’s natural environment, from rivers and wetlands to coastal estuaries.
Species include diving, dabbling and perching ducks which are closely associated with a range of aquatic habitats.
Some species are resident year-round, while others migrate to and from northern breeding grounds, making the UK an important wintering site for several internationally significant populations.
Male ducks are typically more colourful and patterned than females, whose more muted plumage helps them stay hidden while nesting.
The mallard, the world’s most common duck, is widespread across the UK and is the ancestor of most domesticated duck breeds.
Over time, ducks have been bred for a variety of purposes – from food production to pest control and ornamental display.
For these new additions on the exciting stamp issue, Royal Mail has been working closely with Steve Ormerod, Professor of Ecology and Water Research at Cardiff School of Bio-sciences and water fowl author, Dr Chris Ashton.
Prof Ormerod said: “The UK’s wild ducks are among most elegant of all our birds. Their diversity of life histories, behaviours and calls evokes the character of habitats ranging from local ponds, lochans and lakes to rivers, wetlands and coasts.
“Ducks have also played a central role in the human history of animal domestication – for example for food, pest control or as protected ‘rare breeds’.
“This spectrum from cultural connection to wildnerness is celebrated in this beautiful collection of Royal Mail stamps.”
David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy, Royal Mail, said: “We are pleased to showcase the beauty and variety of wild and domesticated duck species found across the UK, celebrating our rich wetland wildlife.
“Most of us will recognise some of the ducks on these stamps but we hope that the set will help to raise awareness of the less well-known species.”
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available at: royalmail.com/ducks or by calling 03457 641 641.
