Bophuthatswana Birds of the Veld
Bophuthatswana, Taung · 1983-09-14
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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A detailed 1983 Bophuthatswana first day cover featuring four grassland bird species, from the Kori Bustard to the Stanley Bustard. This cover is postmarked on 14-09-1983 in Taung. It carries Bophuthatswana's Birds of the Veld series, illustrated by Dick Findlay and depicting the Kori Bustard, Black Korhaan, Red-crested Korhaan and Stanley Bustard. All four species are ground dwelling birds of open plains and savanna that take to flight only reluctantly, and the accompanying text notes that the Red-crested Korhaan is more often heard than seen despite being fairly common in dry acacia bush.
Description of the Cachet
A Kori Bustard stands centre stage on the cachet, its patterned brown and cream plumage rendered in fine detail against a backdrop of dry golden grass. A second bird, likely a black korhaan given its darker wings, is shown mid flight above it, adding movement to an otherwise static composition. "Eupodotis cafra" is printed beneath in italics, referencing the genus grouping used for the korhaan species at the time. The four stamps, illustrated by Dick Findlay, pair each bird with its scientific and common names below the artwork. Two Taung postmarks, each carrying a small flying korhaan motif, overlap the stamp strip at both ends. This release documents Bophuthatswana's grassland bird species with the same naturalistic precision seen elsewhere in the homeland's wildlife stamp programme.
Information Card
BIRDS OF THE VELD Bustards and korhaan are fairly large terrestrial birds inhabiting plains and savannas. They feed, nest and roost on the ground and take to flight reluctantly. They have distinctive calls and are protected by legislation. 10c stamp Ardeotis kori Kori bustard The kori bustard is the largest of its family in Bophuthatswana, but is no longer common. It feeds mainly on insects, reptiles and seeds, and sometimes small mammals. Kori bustards are also fond of the gum of acacia trees. 20c stamp Eupodotis afra Black korhaan The black korhaan is still a common species and inhabits mainly grassland. It is a noisy bird and the male utters a loud, raucous call while flying over its territory. During the breeding season this display is practiced throughout the day. The nest is a shallow scrape in the ground, sometimes lined with a few blades of grass. 25c stamp Eupodotis ruficrista Red-crested korhaan The red-crested korhaan is quite common in dry acacia bush, but is more often heard than seen. The bird's red crest is seldom visible, but during courtship the male shows it clearly. During the breeding season the male has a spectacular display, rising above the trees and suddenly dropping straight down. Just before it crashes into the ground it spreads its wings and glides for some distance to settle again. 40c stamp Neotis denhami stanleyi Stanley bustard This large, shy bird inhabits plains with fairly short grass and is not often seen from nearby. During courtship the male inflates its neck pouches and dances before the female while uttering a deep, booming noise. The parents take turns to incubate the eggs and they both care for the young, which leave the nest soon after hatching. Text compiled with the kind co-operation of Mr S. Wolff, Division: Nature Conservation, Transvaal. HEER PTA
Theme: Wildlife
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.95 (ZAR)
SAPO serial number: 1.27
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 209 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.
