ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – CHESTNUT-BACKED TANAGER (TANGARA PRECIOSA)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Chestnut-backed tanager (Tangara preciosa)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Thraupidae
Genus : Tangara
Species : T. Preciosa

Description:

The Chestnut-backed tanager (Tangara preciosa) is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil, north-eastern Argentina, eastern Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is closely related to the rarer black-backed tanager, and females of the two species are indistinguishable. This bird is characterized by its green breast, and chesnut colored back. Before research was completed, this animal was often mistaken for a result of a mutated black-backed tanager ("Tangara peruviana"). It is now known that this is not the case, and though the two species are related, they are not in fact the same species. The tanager is not in any danger, and is plentiful in the areas that it resides in. Further studies show that this animal is non-invasive, which simply means that it will not invade areas other than its own region.

Binomial Name:

Name : Tangara preciosa
Taxonomist : Jean Louis Cabanis (Berlin - Germany)
Year : 1850
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

1999 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 4, from Birds and Trees Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: April 14th, 1999
Printed: 35.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 7

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

ANIMALS - REPTILES - SNAKES - SOUTH AMERICAN GREEN RACER (PHILODRYAS AESTIVA)

Animals - Reptiles - Snakes

South American Green Racer (Philodryas olfersii)

Scientific Classification:

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

Description:

South American Green Racer (Philodryas olfersii) is a species of colubrid snake, endemic to South America, known also by the common names Lichtenstein's green racer, and eastern green whiptail, and in Brazil, cobra-cipó, cobra de São João, cobra-facão, cobra-verde, and mboi-obi.

The specific name, olfersii, is in honor of German naturalist Ignaz von Olfers.

It is native to much of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, French Guiana, and Venezuela.

P. olfersii reaches 1 to 1.5 meters (about 40 to 60 inches) in maximum total length.

Dorsally, it is green in color; ventrally, it is yellowish.

The dorsal scales are smooth, without apical pits, and are arranged in 19 rows at midbody.

It can be found in many habitat types, including the Cerrado, Caatinga, forests, forest transition, and restinga.

This species is often arboreal, but it also forages on the ground. It is diurnal, though it has been observed mating late in the evening.

Prey items include rodents, lizards, amphibians, and birds, especially nestlings. They will also eat other snakes, including ones almost as large as themselves.

The egg of the snake measures about 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). The clutch size is 4 to 11 eggs, with larger females producing more eggs than smaller ones.

Binomial Name:

Name : Philodryas olfersii
Taxonomist : Martin Hinrich Carl Lichtenstein (Hamburg - Germany)
Year : 1823
Subspecies : 3 (Herbeus, Iatirostris, Olfersii)
Synonyms : Coluber olfersii, Herpetodryas olfersii, Dryophylax olfersii, Philodryas olfersii

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2001 - Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 2, from Snakes Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: May 28th, 2001
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 11

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

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – BUNICHUS PARIDES (PARIDES BUNICHUS)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Bunichus Parides (Parides bunichus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Paplionidae
Genus : Parides
Species : P. Bunichus

Description:

The Bunichus Parides (Parides bunichus) is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. It is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.

The larva is brownish black, with an oblique white band, extending laterally from the 6th segment to the tubercle on the 7th. The pupal stage lasts three weeks.

The butterfly is very common and is one of the earliest spring species (August). From August to April there are at least three generations.

Binomial Name:

Name : Parides bunichus
Taxonomist : Jacob Hübner (Augsburg - Germany)
Year : 1821
Subspecies : 5 (Bunichus, Chamissonia, Damocrates, Diodorus, Perrhebus)
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2003 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 18th, 2003
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 23 mm. x 35 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – FISHES – CHARACINS – TIGER FISH (HOPLIAS MALABARICUS)

Animals - Fishes - Catfishes

Tiger Fish (Hoplias malabaricus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Characiformes
Family : Erythrinidae
Genus : Hoplias
Species : H. Malabaricus

Description:

Hoplias malabaricus, also known as the Wolf Fish, Tiger Fish or Trahira, is a predatory Central and South American freshwater ray finned fish of the Characin family Erythrinidae.

The maximum length for this species is 55 cm and the maximum weight is 7.97 kg.

Like other members of the genus Hoplias this species has a cylindrical body shape with a large mouth equipped with prominent teeth. The dog-like teeth have given it some of its common names. Coloration is highly variable but is usually grey-brown with darker vertical stripes or a single horizontal stripe.

Found in most river systems in the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Occurs in a wide range of freshwater habitats from clear, fast flowing, upland streams, to the slow turbid lowland waters, canals, irrigation and drainage ditches, and ponds and other still waters. Spends the daylight hours resting in vegetation and is most active during the night. Adults are ambush predators of fish; while juveniles prey consists of crustacean and other invertebrate prey. This species spawns in pits located in shallow water and the males guard the nests even after the eggs have hatched.

Binomial Name:

Name : Hoplias malabaricus
Taxonomist : Marcus Elieser Bloch (Ansbach - Germany)
Year : 1794
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2005 – Uruguay – Stamp 3 of 4, from River Fishes Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: November 22nd, 2005
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 16

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

ANIMALS – FISHES – STURGEONS – RUSSIAN STURGEON (ACIPENSER GUELDENSTAEDTII)

Animals - Fishes - Sturgeons

Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Acipenseriformes
Family : Acipenseridae
Genus : Acipenser
Species : A. Gueldenstaedtii

Description:

The Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), also known as the diamond sturgeon or Danube sturgeon, is a species of fish in the Acipenseridae family. It is found in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. It is also found in the Caspian Sea. This fish can grow up to about 235 cm (93 in) and weigh 115 kg (254 lb). Russian sturgeon mature and reproduce slowly, making them highly vulnerable to fishing. It is distinguished from other Acipenser species by its short snout with a rounded tip as well as its lower lip which is interrupted at its center.

The Russian sturgeon can grow to 210 cm (83 in) but a more normal size is 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 in). It has a relatively short and rounded snout with three pairs of unfringed barbels closer to the tip of the snout that to the mouth. The dorsal fin has 27 to 48 soft rays and the anal fin has 16 to 35. The number of scales along the lateral line varies from 21 to 50. This fish can be distinguished from the otherwise similar starry sturgeon by the shape of its snout, its barbels and scale arrangement. The upper surface is greyish-green, the lateral scales are pale and the belly white.

The Russian sturgeon is native to the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea. It is an anadromous fish and moves into the river systems that drain into these seas in order to make its way to spawning areas upstream. It is usually found near the bottom in fairly shallow water over sandy or muddy substrates.

The Russian sturgeon feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes such as gobies, anchovies and sprats. It is solitary when in the sea but becomes gregarious as it moves up-river in April, May and June to spawn.

Binomial Name:

Name : Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich von Brandt (Jüterbog - Germany) and Julius Theodor Christian Ratzeburg (Berlin - Germany)
Year : 1833
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Critically endangered

A Critically Endangered (CR) species is one which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.[1] It is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN Red List for wild species.

Philatelic Issues

2009 – Uruguay – Unique Stamp, from Mercosur Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Unique Stamp from Series
Value: UYP 37

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

ANIMALS – BIRDS – WOODPECKERS – GREEN-BARRED WOODPECKER (COLAPTES MELANOCHLOROS)

Animals - Birds - Woodpeckers

Green-barred woodpecker (Colaptes melanochloros)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Piciiformes
Family : Picidae
Genus : Colaptes
Species : C. Melanochloros

Description:

The Green-barred woodpecker (Colaptes melanochloros) is a species of bird in the Picidae family. The scientific name melanochloros derives from the Greek melanos, meaning "black", and chloros, "pale green", the principal colors of this bird. The golden-breasted woodpecker is sometimes included here as the southern group of subspecies and sometimes treated as a distinct species, C. melanolaimus.

C. melanochloros (including the golden-breasted woodpecker) is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Binomial Name:

Name : Colaptes melanochloros
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 : 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

2009 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: October 13th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

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

ANIMALS – BIRDS – CUCKOOS – GUIRA CUCKOO (GUIRA GUIRA)

Animals - Birds - Cuckoos

Guira cuckoo (Guira guira)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Cuculiformes
Family : Cuculidae
Genus : Guira
Species : G. Guira

Description:

The Guira cuckoo (Guira guira) is a social, non-parasitic cuckoo found widely in open and semi-open habitats of eastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and north-eastern Argentina. It is monotypic within the genus Guira, and is related to the anis.

The species has whitish-buff underparts and rump, dark brownish upperparts, a broadly white-tipped dark tail that is relatively long, an orange-rufous crest, bare yellow ocular-skin (commonly fades in captivity), and a relatively heavy, orange-yellow bill. It is generally rather shaggy-looking and has a total length of approximately 34 cm (13 in). Like other members of the subfamily Crotophaginae, the guira cuckoo gives off a strong, pungent odour.

The guira cuckoo is arboreal, but can frequently be seen on the ground, usually in flocks of 6 to 18 individuals. It is sometimes seen with other birds such as the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani) whose behavior is similar.

Binomial Name:

Name : Guira guira
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich Gmelin (Tübingen - Germany)
Year : 1788
Subspecies : 5 (Rufus, Albogularis, Commersoni, Paraguayae, Schumacheri)
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

2010 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 4, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2010
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

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

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – RUFOUS HORNERO (FURNARIUS RUFUS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Furnariidae
Genus : Furnarius
Species : F. Rufus

Description:

The Rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus) is a medium-sized ovenbird in the family Furnariidae It occurs in eastern South America, and is the national bird in Argentina. Also known as the red ovenbird, it is common in savannas, second-growth scrub, pastures and agricultural land and is synanthropic. Its range includes southeastern and southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern and central Argentina, extending as far south as northern Patagonia. The species is most closely related to the crested hornero of Paraguay and Argentina. There are four accepted subspecies.

The rufous hornero is medium-sized with a square tail and very slightly decurved bill. The plumage is overall reddish brown with a dull brown crown and a whitish throat. Sexes are alike and juvenile birds are slightly paler below (probably because they are cleaner). Rufous horneros feed on insects and other arthropods obtained by foraging on the ground while walking. They sometimes feed on scraps such as bread crumbs. Songs in the rufous hornero are sexually distinct. The rapid trill that is usually heard as part of the duet is faster in the male, slower in the female, and both beat their wings at their sides while singing and the wings beat at the same rate as their trill. Thus, while watching an observer may identify the sex by how fast their wings beat while singing.

Predators of adult and young rufous horneros include birds of prey such as the black-chested buzzard-eagle Buteo melanoleucus, small mammals, domestic cats, and a number of species of snakes and possibly lizards. However, its covered nest probably reduces predation risk.

Binomial Name:

Name : Furnarius rufus
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich Gmelin (Tübingen - Germany)
Year : 1788
Subspecies : 5 (Rufus, Albogularis, Commersoni, Paraguayae, Schumacheri)
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

2010 - Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 4, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2010
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 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 - 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 - 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 - GREAT HORNED OWL (BUBO VIRGINIANUS)

Animals - Birds - Owls

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Strigdae
Genus : Bubo
Species : B. Virginianus

Description:

The Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the Tiger owl (originally derived from early naturalists' description as the "winged tiger" or "tiger of the air") or the Hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. Its primary diet appears to be rabbits and hares, rats and mice and voles, although it freely hunts any animal it can overtake, primarily other rodents and small mammals, but also larger mid-sized mammals, various birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. In ornithological study, the great horned owl is often compared to the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), a closely related species which, despite the latter's notably larger size, occupies the same ecological niche in Eurasia, and the Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), with which it often shares similar habitat, prey and nesting habits by day and is thus something of a diurnal ecological equivalent. The Great horned owl is one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, often laying eggs weeks or even months before other raptorial birds.

Binomial Name:

Name : Bubo virginianus
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich Gmelin
Year : 1788
Subspecies : 10 – 20+ (Virginianus, Nacurutu, Subarticus, … )
Synonym : Strix virginiana

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 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