Songbirds Forever Stamps 2014
The U.S. Postal Service highlights the color and character of North American songbirds with the Songbirds stamp collection. The set features 10 species, including the western meadowlark, mountain bluebird, painted bunting, Baltimore oriole, American goldfinch, and white-throated sparrow.
The birds are illustrated in bright colors, each resting on a branch or fence post decorated with natural elements such as leaves, flowers, vines, and pinecones. The clean white backgrounds give the individual portraits a simple, distinctive appearance.
Songbirds make up thousands of species worldwide and are recognized for their specialized vocal abilities. Their songs are commonly associated with attracting mates and establishing territory. As perching birds, they have feet well suited to gripping branches and other narrow surfaces.
Artist Robert Giusti created the bird portraits from photographic references, while Derry Noyes served as art director.
The Songbirds stamps are issued as Forever stamps in booklets of 20. They remain valid for the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.
