Related Articles
These stamps are meant to celebrate the wide variety of ducks, both wild and domesticated, found across the UK.
The ten featured species are the goosander, Indian runner, mallard duckling, mandarin, call, Aylesbury, pintail, silver Appleyard, shelduck and the eider.
Royal Mail collaborated with Cardiff University’s Professor of Ecology, Steve Ormerod, and waterfowl author Dr Chris Ashton for the project.
READ: Royal Mail releases new stamps celebrating mushrooms
Mr 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 wilderness is celebrated in this beautiful collection of Royal Mail stamps.”
There are more than 120 species of duck worldwide, with 22 found in the UK.
This makes the UK an important wintering site for several internationally significant populations.
Ducks are a significant part of many types of aquatic habitats in the UK, including rivers, wetlands and coastal estuaries.
Some of these species are permanent residents, while others migrate to and from northern breeding grounds.
READ: The extremely rare duck that drew crowds to Dorset
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at 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, along with several collectible products, are available for pre-order as of September 4 at royalmail.com/ducks.
They can also be ordered over the phone at 03457 641 641.
The entire set of ten stamps is included in a presentation pack, available for £13.75.
The stamps will be available for general sale from Thursday, September 11.
