The common starling, familiar to everyone from their yard or a nearby park, will appear from 19 September on the stamp and specially designed envelope issued by Latvijas Pasts. The new philatelic items will complement one of the most popular stamp series — “Birds of Latvia”, issued since 2010 and distinguished by its expressive colours and detailed nuances.

The stamp, to be printed in 15,000 copies, has a nominal value of 2.55 euros and is valid for postage of items weighing up to 100 grams within Latvia. The special envelopes, in turn, will be issued in a limited run of 500 copies. The new philatelic items were designed by Ģirts Grīva.

The first-day cancellation is scheduled for 19 February from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the post office located at 41/43 Elizabetes Street, Riga. Initially, these philatelic items will be available for purchase at major Latvijas Pasts customer centres and post offices, as well as through the company’s e-store.

The common starling is widespread not only in Latvia but throughout Europe, and this year the Latvian Ornithological Society, by awarding it the title of “Bird of the Year”, is placing special emphasis on studying the species’ nesting and migration habits. Sturnus vulgaris is not only considered the first harbinger of spring; it was also the species used when bird ringing began in 1899 in Denmark. In Latvia, this bird has received additional attention since 2020, when an in-depth study of its habits, led by ornithologist Oskars Keišs, began.

Philatelic products issued by Latvijas Pasts are highly appreciated among customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations evaluate stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts against strict standards, considering them on par with those from the major countries. These stamps are regularly included in global philatelic catalogues and collections of renowned philatelists.