ANIMALS - AMPHIBIANS - FROGS - SAN MARTIN REDBELLY TOAD (MELANOPHRYNISCUS SANMARTINI)

Animals - Amphibians - Frogs

San Martin Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus sanmartini)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Bufonidae
Genus : Melanophryniscus
Species : M. Sanmartini

Description:

The San Martin redbelly toad (Melanophryniscus sanmartini) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is found in Uruguay and southernmost Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). Its natural habitats are grasslands and rocky outcrops. Reproduction takes place in small streams. It is threatened by habitat loss caused by exotic tree plantations.

Known only from three localities in Uruguay the type locality (Departamento Lavalleja), the Cerro de Animas (Departamento de Maldonado) and Departamento de Rivera, Uruguay; also reported from Pedras Altas and Pinheiro Machado, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Female: 23-26 mm, Male: 19-22 mm. Dorsum dark brown (generally with light brown blotches). Belly and chest black with ocher blotches and a conspicuous reddish orange band under the thighs. Throat and gular region uniformly black, with a light spot on the chin.

These toads are explosive breeders (after heavy rains), and reproductive activity takes place between April to November.

Binomial Name:

Name : Melanophryniscus sanmartini
Taxonomist : Miguel Angel Klappenbach (Dolores - Uruguay)
Year : 1968
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened species is a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2014 – Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 2, from Tourist Sites:Lavalleja Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: November 5th, 2014
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 27 mm. x 39 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - AMPHIBIANS - FROGS - DARWIN'S TOAD (MELANOPHRYNISCUS MONTEVIDENSIS)

Animals - Amphibians - Frogs

Darwin's Toad (Melanophryniscus montevidensis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Bufonidae
Genus : Melanophryniscus
Species : M. Montevidensis

Description:

The Darwin's Toad (Melanophryniscus montevidensis) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is found in Brazil and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are temperate shrubland, intermittent freshwater marshes, and sandy shores. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Female: 22-28 mm, Male: 19-24 mm. Dorsum black, generally with small yellow blotches along the flanks. Belly and chest black with red blotches and/or yellow spots. Interdigital web poorly developed. Sexual dimorphism is not evident. This species could be easily confused with Melanophryniscus atroluteus.

The species inhabits coastal areas with dunes and sandy soils in the Uruguayan Atlantic shore region. Mainly southern Uruguay (only one locality known in Southern Brazil).

The diet of this toad consists of small arthropods (little beetles, collembolans, aphids, ants, acari). These diurnal toads are explosive breeders. Reproduction occurs during warm days following rains. As in most of the species belonging to this genus, the nuptial call has two components (a repeated whistle and a train of vibrations). During amplexus males massage females; oviposition is made in several inmersions. This species exhibits a defensive behavior named "Unkenreflex" (it shows the red belly, palms and soils to the attacker). The skin of these toads have alkaloids (like pumiliotoxins).

Binomial Name:

Name : Melanophryniscus montevidensis
Taxonomist : Rudolph Amandus Philippi (Germany)
Year : 1902
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Melanophryniscus stelzneri, Montevidensis gallardo

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Vulnerable

A Vulnerable species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction. Vulnerable habitat or species are monitored and can become increasingly threatened. Some species listed as "vulnerable" may be common in captivity.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 10 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - CRUSTACEANS - CRABS - BURROWING CRAB (NEOHELICE GRANULATA)

Animals - Crustaceans - Crabs

Burrowing crab (Neohelice granulata)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Subphylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Infraorder : Brachyura
Family : Varunidae
Genus : Neohelice
Species : N. Granulata

Description:

The Burrowing crab (Neohelice granulata) is a species of crab in the family Varunidae, and the only species in the genus Neohelice. In 2009, it was estimated that N. granulata was the sixth most studied species of crab.

Neohelice is found in the south-western Atlantic Ocean, from the Golfo San José (on the north side of the Valdes Peninsula in Patagonia, Argentina) to the Laguna Araruama in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The diet of Neohelice in the wild most consists of sediment, Spartina and plant-derived detritus.

The first report of Neohelice was probably that made by Alcide d’Orbigny during an expedition to South America between 1826 and 1834. He included details of the crab's ecology, including their burrows, but did not name the species. The first person to described the species taxonomically was James Dwight Dana, who named it Chasmagnathus granulatus in his 1851 work reporting the results of the United States Exploring Expedition (also known as the "Wilkes expedition"). In 1918, Mary J. Rathbun redescribed the species under the modified name "Chasmagnathus granulata", which remained in occasional use along Dana's name until 2006, when Katushi Sakai, Michael Türkay and Si-Liang Yang revised the genera Helice and Chasmagnathus. They restricted both genera to those species occurring in East Asia, and erected a new genus for C. granulatus, which thus became Neohelice granulata, as well as the genera Austrohelice and Pseudohelice.

Neohelice granulata has emerged since the 1980s as a model species in a variety of biological fields. Much of the scientific research has focused on the species' tolerance of both fresh water and brine (euryhalinity) and its semiterrestrial habit. It has also been investigated for research into neurophysiology, toxicology and ecosystem dynamics. Such breadth of study is unusual for a model organism.

Binomial Name:

Name : Neohelice granulata
Taxonomist : James Dwight Dana (Utica - United States of America)
Year : 1851
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : Chasmagnathus granulata, Helice gaudichaudi

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 9 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - REPTILES - SNAKES - BRAZILIAN GREEN RACER (PHILODRYAS AESTIVA)

Animals - Reptiles - Snakes

Brazilian Green Racer (Philodryas aestiva)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Subphylum : Vertebrata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Suborder : Serpentes
Family : Colubridae
Subfamily : Xenodontinae
Genus : Philodryas
Species : P. Aestiva

Description:

The Brazilian Green Racer (Philodryas aestiva) is a Snake in the genus Philodryas, so it shares the following characters:

Head distinct from neck, with distinct canthus rostralis. Eye moderate or large. Pupil round. Body cylindrical or slightly laterally compressed. Tail long.

Dorsal scales arranged in 17 to 23 rows at midbody, more or less obliquely. Subcaudals divided (in two rows).

Maxillary teeth smallest anteriorly, 12-15, followed after a gap by two large grooved fangs located just behind the posterior border of the eye.

Although colubrid snakes are usually harmless to humans, Philodryas are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) snakes and can give a venomous bite. However, they have mild venom; so a bite is unlikely to cause lasting damage to humans.

Binomial Name:

Name : Philodryas aestiva
Taxonomist : André Marie Constant Duméril (Amiens - France), Gabriel Bibron (Paris - France), Auguste Henri André Duméril (Paris - France)
Year : 1854
Subspecies : 2 (Aestiva, Subcarinata)
Synonyms : Dryophylax aestivus, Philodryas aestivus, Tropidodryas aestivus, Philodryas campicola

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 8 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - SONGBIRDS - SAFFRON-COWLED BLACKBIRD (XANTHOPSAR FLAVUS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Saffron-cowled blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Icteridae
Genus : Xanthopsar
Species : X. Flavus

Description:

The Saffron-cowled blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, in the monotypic genus Xanthopsar. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (where it is found at the Quebrada de los Cuervos).

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and pastureland.

It is threatened by habitat loss.

Binomial Name:

Name : Xanthopsar flavus
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich Gmelin (Tübingen - Germany)
Year : 1788
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Vulnerable

A Vulnerable species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction. Vulnerable habitat or species are monitored and can become increasingly threatened. Some species listed as "vulnerable" may be common in captivity.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 7 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - MAMMALS - RODENTS - CAPYBARA (HYDROCHOERUS HYDROCHAERIS)

Animals - Mammals - Rodents

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Subphylum : Vertebrata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Suborder : Hystricomorpha
Family : Caviidae
Subfamily : Hydrochoerinae
Genus : Hydrochoerus
Species : H. Hydrochaeris

Description:

The Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a large rodent of the genus Hydrochoerus of which the only other extant member is the lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius). The capybara is the largest rodent in the world. Close relatives are guinea pigs and rock cavies, and it is more distantly related to the agouti, chinchillas, and the coypu. Native to South America, the capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests and lives near bodies of water. It is a highly social species and can be found in groups as large as 100 individuals, but usually lives in groups of 10–20 individuals. The capybara is not a threatened species and is hunted for its meat, hide and also for a grease from its thick fatty skin which is used in the pharmaceutical trade.

Its common name is derived from Tupi ka'apiûara, a complex agglutination of kaá (leaf) + píi (slender) + ú (eat) + ara (a suffix for agent nouns), meaning "one who eats slender leaves", or "grass-eater". The scientific name, both hydrochoerus and hydrochaeris, comes from Greek ὕδωρ (hydor = water) + χοίρος (choiros = pig, hog)

The capybara has a heavy, barrel-shaped body and short head, with reddish-brown fur on the upper part of its body that turns yellowish-brown underneath. Its sweat glands can be found in the surface of the hairy portions of its skin, an unusual trait among rodents. The animal lacks under hair, and guard hair differs little from over hair. Adult capybaras grow to 106 to 134 cm (3.48 to 4.40 ft) in length, stand 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) tall at the withers, and typically weigh 35 to 66 kg (77 to 146 lb), with an average in the Venezuelan llanos of 48.9 kg (108 lb). The top recorded weights are 91 kg (201 lb) for a wild female from Brazil and 73.5 kg (162 lb) for a wild male from Uruguay. Capybaras have slightly webbed feet and vestigial tails. Their hind legs are slightly longer than their forelegs; they have three toes on their rear feet and four toes on their front feet. Their muzzles are blunt, with nostrils, and the eyes and ears are near the top of their heads. Females are slightly heavier than males.

Its karyotype has 2n = 66 and FN = 102.

Binomial Name:

Name : Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1766
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 6 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - SEABIRDS - PLUMBEOS IBIS (THERISTICUS CAERULESCENS)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Plumbeous ibis (Theristicus caerulescens)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Threskiornithidae
Genus : Theristicus
Species : T. Caerulescens

Description:

The Plumbeous ibis (Theristicus caerulescens) is a species of bird in the Threskiornithidae family. It is found in grassland, savanna, fields and marshes in central South America, ranging in south-central and south-eastern Brazil, eastern and northern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. It is generally fairly common and is easily seen in the Pantanal among other areas.

It is a distinctive bird, being overall grey with elongated plumes on the nape and neck, a narrow white band on the forehead and reddish legs. Unlike many other ibises, the plumbeous ibis is rather asocial and typically seen alone or in pairs.

Its name is derived from the Latin word for lead, plumbum, in reference to its lead-grey colour.

Binomial Name:

Name : Theristicus caerulescens
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1817
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 5 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - SEABIRDS - SNOWY EGRET (EGRETTA THULA)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Snowy egret (Egretta thula)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Subclass : Neornithes
Infraclass : Neognathae
Superorder : Neoaves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ardeidae
Genus : Egretta
Species : E. Thula

Description:

The Snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a small white heron. It is the American counterpart to the very similar Old World little egret, which has established a foothold in the Bahamas. At one time, the beautiful plumes of the snowy egret were in great demand by market hunters as decorations for women's hats. This reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels.[citation needed] Now protected in the United States by law, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, this bird's population has rebounded.

Adults are typically 61 cm (24 in) long and weigh 375 g (0.827 lb) They have a slim black bill and long black legs with yellow feet. The area of the upper bill, in front of the eyes, is yellow but turns red during the breeding season, when the adults also gain recurved plumes on the back, making for a "shaggy" effect. The juvenile looks similar to the adult, but the base of the bill is paler, and a green or yellow line runs down the back of the legs.

Snowy Egrets nest in colonies on thick vegetation in isolated places—such as barrier islands, dredge-spoil islands, salt marsh islands, swamps, and marshes. They often change location from year to year. During the breeding season Snowy Egrets feed in estuaries, saltmarshes, tidal channels, shallow bays, and mangroves. They winter in mangroves, saltwater lagoons, freshwater swamps, grassy ponds, and temporary pools, and forage on beaches, shallow reefs, and wet fields.

Binomial Name:

Name : Egretta thula
Taxonomist : Juan Ignacio Molina (Guaraculén, Chile)
Year : 1782
Subspecies : 2 (Thula, Brewsteri)
Synonyms : Ardea thula, Egretta candidissima, Ardea candidissima

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 4 of 8, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - FLAMINGOS - CHILEAN FLAMINGO (PHOENICOPTERUS CHILENSIS)

Animals - Birds - Flamingos

Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Phoenicopteriformes
Family : Phoenicopteridae
Genus : Phoenicopterus
Species : P. Chilensis

Description:

The Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) is a large species of flamingo at 110–130 cm (43–51 in) closely related to American flamingo and greater flamingo, with which it was sometimes considered conspecific.

It breeds in South America from Ecuador and Peru to Chile and Argentina and east to Brazil; it has been introduced into Germany and the Netherlands (colony on the border, Zwilbrockervenn). There is also a small population in Utah and California. Like all flamingos it lays a single chalky white egg on a mud mound.

The plumage is pinker than the slightly larger greater flamingo, but less so than Caribbean flamingo. It can be differentiated from these species by its greyish legs with pink joints (tibio-tarsal articulation), and also by the larger amount of black on the bill (more than half). Young chicks may have no sign of pink coloring whatsoever, but instead remain grey.

Binomial Name:

Name : Phoenicopterus chilensis
Taxonomist : Juan Ignacio Molina (Guaraculén, Chile)
Year : 1782
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened species is a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - SEABIRDS - BLACK SKIMMER (RYNCHOPS NIGER)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Black skimmer (Rynchops niger)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Charadriiformes
Family : Rynchopidae
Genus : Rynchops
Species : R. Niger

Description:

The Black skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a tern-like seabird, one of three very similar birds species in the skimmer family. It breeds in North and South America. Northern populations winter in the warmer waters of the Caribbean and the tropical and subtropical Pacific coasts, but the South American races make only shorter movements in response to annual floods which extend their feeding areas in the river shallows.

The black skimmer is the largest of the three skimmer species. It measures 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long with a 107–127 cm (42–50 in) wingspan. This species ranges from 212 to 447 g (7.5 to 15.8 oz), with males averaging about 349 g (12.3 oz), as compared to the smaller female’s 254 g (9.0 oz).[3] The basal half of the bill is red, the rest mainly black, and the lower mandible is much-elongated. The eye has a dark brown iris and catlike vertical pupil, unique for a bird. The legs are red. The call is a barking kak-kak-kak.

Adults in breeding plumage have a black crown, nape and upper body. The forehead and underparts are white. The upper wings are black with white on the rear edge, and the tail and rump are dark grey with white edges. The underwing colour varies from white to dusky grey depending on region.

Non-breeding adults have paler and browner upperparts, and a white nape collar. Immature birds have brown upperparts with white feather tips and fringes. The underparts and forehead are white and the underwings as the adult.

Binomial Name:

Name : Rynchops niger
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1758
Subspecies : 3 (Niger, Cinerescens, Intercedens)
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - SONGBIRDS - SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (AMBLYRAMPHUS HOLOSERICEUS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Scarlet-headed blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Icteridae
Genus : Amblyramphus
Species : A. Holosericeus

Description:

The Scarlet-headed blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus) is an icterid bird of southern South American wetlands.

This species is about 24 cm long. The bill is oddly shaped: long, slender, and very sharp, looking almost upturned. Adults of both sexes are described by their name. Juveniles have entirely black plumage; orange-red feathers first appear on their breast and throat, later spreading to the neck, head, and thighs. The song is given as "loud, clear, and melodic, a ringing 'cleer-cleer-clur, clulululu'." Calls are simpler but have a similar quality.

Scarlet-headed blackbirds occur in pairs in large reed beds in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina; Bolivia has an isolated population at altitudes up to about 600 m. They often perch conspicuously on top of stems. They are uncommon, particularly away from the coast.

They eat mainly fruit, supplementing it with seeds and invertebrates, especially insects. They use their bill as a hammer to open food items.

Scarlet-headed blackbirds are monogamous, and territories are grouped together. The nest is an open cup placed in the crotch of a shrub or woven into vegetation, in which they lay two eggs.

Binomial Name:

Name : Amblyramphus holosericeus
Taxonomist : Giovanni Antonio Scopoli (Cavalese - Italy)
Year : 1786
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - OWLS - STRIPPED OWL (PSEUDOSCOPS CLAMATOR)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Striped owl (Pseudoscops clamator)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigidae
Genus : Pseudoscops (disputed)
Species : P. Clamator

Description:

The Striped owl (Pseudoscops clamator) is a medium-sized owl with large ear tufts and a brownish-white facial disk rimmed with black. Its beak is black, and it has cinnamon-colored eyes. It has shorter, rounder wings than most of its close relatives. The upperparts are cinnamon with fine black vermiculation and heavy stripes. The underparts are pale tawny with dusky streaks. It is native to South America, and parts of Central America.

Its systematic placement is not resolved. Different authorities place it in Asio, in Pseudoscops together with the Jamaican owl, or more rarely into the monotypic genus Rhinoptynx.

The striped owl is a relatively large species with prominent tufts of elongated feathers on the crown resembling ears. It is 30–38 centimetres (12–15 in) and weighs from 320 to 546 g (11.3 to 19.3 oz). Its head, back, hot wings and tail are brown with black stripes and small markings while its underparts are buff-colored with heavy black streaking on the breast. The facial disk is pure white with a thin black border.

The striped owl is native to much of South and Central America. Its range is not well known, perhaps because it is nocturnal and not easily seen, but it is known from Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. It uses a variety of habitats, including riparian woodlands, marshes, savannahs, grassy open areas, and tropical rainforests. It can be found from sea level to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) and above.

Binomial Name:

Name : Pseudoscops clamator
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1807
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : Asio clamator, Rhinoptynx clamator

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 8 of 8, from Owls Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - OWLS - FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWL (GLAUCIDIUM BRASILIANUM)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigidae
Genus : Glaucidium
Species : G. Brasilianum

Description:

The Ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) is a small owl that breeds in south-central Arizona in the United States, south through Mexico and Central America, to South America into Bolivia and Argentina.

In Central America and South America, it is the most widely distributed pygmy owl and is probably one of the most numerous owl species in those areas. It is found in a wide range of semi-open wooded habitats in these areas.

This species is crepuscular, but often hunts by day. It hunts a variety of birds, lizards, mammals, and insects. The flight is low to the ground and rapid with long swoops.

It can be readily located by the small birds that mob it while it is perched in a tree (up to 40 birds of 11 species have been recorded mobbing one owl).

The ferruginous pygmy owl is small, typically 15 cm (5.9 in), and stocky with disproportionately large talons. The crown has elongated white/buff spots or streaks, the wing coverts have white spots, and the underparts are heavily streaked white. There are prominent white supercilia above the facial disc. There are two eye spots on the nape.

Otherwise, its overall color is highly variable, ranging from grey-brown with a black-and-white barred tail to rich rufous with a uniform rufous tail. Sexes are similar with females slightly larger and often more reddish.

Binomial Name:

Name : Glaucidium brasilianum
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich Gmelin (Tübingen - Germany)
Year : 1788
Subspecies : 12 (Brasilianum, Cactorum, Duidae, … )
Synonyms : None

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 7 of 8, from Owls Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - OWLS - SHORT-EARED OWL (ASIO FLAMMEUS)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigdae
Subfamily : Asioninae
Genus : Asio
Species : A. Flammeus

Description:

The Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a species of typical owl (family Strigidae). Owls belonging to genus Asio are known as the Eared owls, as they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. Asio flammeus will display its tufts when in a defensive pose. However, it’s very short tufts are usually not visible. The short-eared owl is found in open country and grasslands. The word flammeus is Latin for "flaming, or the color of fire".

The Short-eared owl is a medium-sized owl measuring 34–43 cm (13–17 in) in length and weighing 206–475 g (7.3–16.8 oz). It has large eyes, a big head, a short neck, and broad wings. Its bill is short, strong, hooked and black. Its plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. Its flight is characteristically floppy due to its irregular wingbeats. The short-eared owl may also be described as "moth or bat-like" in flight. Wingspans range from 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in). Females are slightly larger than males. The yellow-orange eyes of A. flammeus are exaggerated by black rings encircling each eye, giving the appearance of them wearing mascara, and large, whitish disks of plumage surrounding the eyes like a mask.

Binomial Name:

Name : Asio flammeus
Taxonomist : Erik Pontoppidan (Aarhus - Denmark)
Year : 1763
Subspecies : 10 (Flammeus, Suinda, Bogotensis, … )
Synonyms : Asio accipitrinus

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 6 of 8, from Owls Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - OWLS - BARN OWL (TYTO ALBA)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Barn owl (Tyto alba)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Subclass : Neornithes
Infraclass : Neognathae
Superorder : Neoaves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigdae
Subfamily : Tytoninae
Genus : Tyto
Species : T. Alba

Description:

The Barn owl (Tyto alba) is the most widely distributed species of owl, and one of the most widespread of all birds. It is also referred to as the Common barn owl, to distinguish it from other species in its family, Tytonidae, which forms one of the two main lineages of living owls, the other being the typical owls (Strigidae). The barn owl is found almost everywhere in the world except polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Himalayas, most of Indonesia and some Pacific islands.

Phylogenetic evidence shows that there are at least three major lineages of barn owl, one in Eurasia and Africa, one in Australasia and one in the New World, and some highly divergent taxa on islands. Some authorities further split the group, recognizing up to five species, and further research needs to be done to clarify the position. There is a considerable variation between the sizes and color of the approximately 28 subspecies but most are between 33 and 39 cm (13 and 15 in) in length with wingspans ranging from 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in). The plumage on head and back is a mottled shade of grey or brown, the underparts vary from white to brown and are sometimes speckled with dark markings. The face is characteristically heart-shaped and is white in most species. This owl does not hoot, but utters an eerie, drawn-out shriek.

The barn owl is nocturnal over most of its range but in Britain and some Pacific islands, it also hunts by day. Barn owls specialize in hunting animals on the ground and nearly all of their food consists of small mammals which they locate by sound, their hearing being very acute. They mate for life unless one of the pair gets killed, when a new pair bond may be formed. Breeding takes place at varying times of year according to locality, with a clutch, averaging about four eggs, being laid in a nest in a hollow tree, old building or fissure in a cliff. The female does all the incubation, and she and the young chicks are reliant on the male for food. When large numbers of small prey are readily available, barn owl populations can expand rapidly, and globally the bird is considered to be of least conservation concern. Some subspecies with restricted ranges are more threatened.

Binomial Name:

Name : Tyto alba
Taxonomist : Giovanni Antonio Scopoli (Cavalese - Italy)
Year : 1769
Subspecies : Around 28 (Alba, Pranticola, Tuidara, … )
Synonyms : Strix alba Scopoli, Strix pratincola, Tyto delicatula

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 5 of 8, from Owls Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - OWLS - TROPICAL SCREECH OWL (MEGASCOPS CHOLIBA)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigdae
Genus : Megascops
Species : M. choliba

Description:

The Tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba) is a small species of owl in the family Strigidae.

It is found throughout South America (including Trinidad and Tobago), except in the Andes, the arid Pacific lowlands, and the far south. Its distribution also extends into southern Central America in Costa Rica and Panama. It is generally common – in large parts of its range among the most common species of owls and likely the most common screech owl of the tropics. It occurs in a wide range of wooded habitats, ranging from arid Caatinga to dense rainforest, and even city parks.

This polymorphic species is highly variable in color, it being overall grey-brown or (less commonly) brown or rufous, but always with a relatively distinctive blackish edge to the face and yellow irises. The length is 21–23 centimeters (8.3–9.1 in) long and weight is 97–160 grams (3.4–5.6 oz).

Binomial Name:

Name : Megascops choliba
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1782
Subspecies : 9 (Choliba, Luctisomus, Margaritae, … )
Synonym : Otus choliba

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 4 of 8, from Owls Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - OWLS - BURROWING OWL (ATHENE CUNICULARIA)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigdae
Genus : Athene
Species : A. Cunicularia

Description:

The Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Burrowing owls can be found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other open dry area with low vegetation. They nest and roost in burrows, such as those excavated by prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the midday heat. But like many other kinds of owls, burrowing owls do most of their hunting from dusk until dawn, when they can use their night vision and hearing to their advantage. Living in open grasslands as opposed to the forest, the burrowing owl has developed longer legs, which enables it to sprint as well as fly when hunting.

Binomial Name:

Name : Athene cunicularia
Taxonomist : Juan Ignacio Molina (Guaraculén - Chile)
Year : 1782
Subspecies : Around 20 (Cunicularia, Grallaria, Hypugaea, … )
Synonym : Strix cunicularia, Speotyto cunicularia, Spheotyto cunicularia (lapsus)

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 8, from Owls Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 8 Stamps
Value : UYP 15

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated