Sunbirds of Venda
Venda, Shayandima · 1981-02-16
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
This cover is postmarked on 16 February 1981 in Shayandima. The four stamps depict the Collared Sunbird, Marico Sunbird, White-bellied Sunbird and Scarlet-chested Sunbird, each illustrated by J. Hoekstra. Shayandima lies just outside Thohoyandou, which was established as the capital of Venda when the territory was declared nominally independent by South Africa in 1979. The set highlights birds found in the well watered, subtropical vegetation of the region, a landscape quite different from the drier interior further south.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is stamped in gold foil on the left of the cover and shows two sunbirds facing each other with their wings raised as if in a mating display. Their curved beaks nearly touch and their tails curl below them in a mirrored pattern. Below the birds the words "Sunbirds of Venda" appear in a flowing script. The design leans on symmetry and shine rather than detail, giving the cover a decorative feel that suits the metallic gold against the plain cream envelope.
Information Card
SUNBIRDS OF VENDA The Sunbird family Nectariniidae comprises numerous species, several of which are found in the lush Venda vegetation. Sunbirds feed upon nectar as well as insects. They have long, curved bills, finely pointed for the purpose of puncturing flowers to get at the nectar when this cannot be extracted from the front. Their tongues are grooved and can be protruded for some distance. The males — and some of the females as well — have beautiful iridescent feathers. 5c COLLARED SUNBIRD Anthreptes collaris This small sunbird feeds mainly on insects and consequently has a shorter and straighter bill than most other species. It keeps mainly lower down in trees and the undergrowth, where it forages. 15c MARICO SUNBIRD Nectarinia mariquensis This sunbird is as large as a sparrow and is usually found in pairs. Its beautiful plumage has a conspicuous metallic sheen. It is noisy and also feeds on insects. 20c WHITE-BELLIED SUNBIRD Nectarinia talatala The small, widely distributed White-bellied Sunbird is mostly seen in pairs. It has a special liking for the nectar of Loranthus, a common parasitic plant on thorn trees. The conspicuous, noisy male usually calls while sitting right at the top of a large tree. 25c SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD Nectarinia senegalensis The scarlet chest of this large sunbird is very conspicuous and can be seen a long way off. It not only feeds on nectar sucked from flowers but also catches flying insects in the air. They are noisy, especially when several of them are together. Text kindly provided by Mr. O.P.M. Prozesky of the Transvaal Museum. SUIKERBEKKIES VAN VENDA Die Suikerbekkie-familie Nectariniidae bestaan uit talryke spesies waarvan verskeie in die geil Venda-plantegroei voorkom. Suikerbekkies leef van nektar sowel as insekte. Hulle het lang, gekromde snawels wat skerppuntig is sodat 'n gaatjie in 'n blom geprik kan word as die nektar nie van voor af bygekom kan word nie. Hulle tonge het 'n gleuf en kan ver uitgestrek word. Die mannetjies — en sommige van die wyfies — het pragtige blink vere. 5c GEELBORSSUIKERBEKKIE Anthreptes collaris Hierdie klein suikerbekkie vreet meestal insekte en het gevolglik 'n korter en meer reguit snawel as die meeste ander spesies. Hy boer gewoonlik onderlangs in struikgewasse en bome, op soek na kos. 15c MARIKO-SUIKERBEKKIE Nectarinia mariquensis Dié suikerbekkie is so groot soos 'n mossie en word gewoonlik in pare aangetref. Sy pragtige verekleed bestaan uit baie blink vere. Hy is opvallend en lawaaierig en vreet ook insekte. 20c WITPENSSUIKERBEKKIE Nectarinia talatala Die Witpenssuikerbekkie is 'n klein voëltjie wat baie algemeen — gewoonlik in pare — voorkom. Hy het 'n voorliefde vir die nektar van voëlent (Loranthus), 'n parasitiese plant wat op doringbome groei. Die opvallende, lawaaierige mannetjie sit graag op die hoogste toppie van 'n groot boom en roep. 25c ROOIBORSSUIKERBEKKIE Nectarinia senegalensis Hierdie groot suikerbekkie se helder rooi bors is baie opvallend en kan van ver gesien word. Hy suig nie net nektar uit blomme nie, maar vang ook dikwels insekte in die lug. As daar 'n klompie van hulle bymekaar is, is hulle baie lawaaierig. Teks goedgunstiglik voorsien deur mnr. O.P.M. Prozesky, van die Transvaal Museum.
Theme: Wildlife
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.55 (ZAR)
Estimated value: ~US$0.1
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 248 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
