2019 Bird of the Year in Belarus

2019 Bird of the year in Belarus 

 Greater spotted eagle

The 21st Congress of the public organization “Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny” (Protection of Homeland Birds) declared the Greater spotted eagle the bird of the year 2019 in Belarus.

The Greater spotted eagle is one of the rarest birds of prey in Europe, and it is in danger of extinction.

In Belarus the Greater spotted eagle can be found mainly in the territory of the Pripyat Polesie. Outside of this region it is extremely rare. The largest population lives in the area of the Olmanskiye swamps.

The current number of the birds in Belarus is estimated at 150-200 pairs, which is about 15% of the European population of the species.

The Greater spotted eagle is listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus since 1981. 

The project was prepared with the assistance of the public organization “Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny”.

The stamp contains the logos of the global partnership of conservation organizations "BirdLife International" and the Belarus public organization "Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny" (APB).

Courtesy - Wolfgang Beyer, Germany; Bel Post