Birds of Kyrgyzstan
Newsletter no. 126.pdf
On 28 August 2026, the Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamp series "Birds of Kyrgyzstan" is being put into circulation by the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic pursuant to Order No. 77 dated 12 August 2026.
From 28 to 30 August 2026, the 10th International Specialized Philatelic Exhibition BIRDPEX 10 is being held in the city of La Louvière (Belgium). As its name suggests, the exhibition is dedicated to one of the most popular themes in philately – birds. The new KEP issue is dedicated to this important event in the world of philately.
The KEP stamp series comprises two miniature sheets dedicated to two bird species of Kyrgyzstan – the Indian golden oriole and the Common kingfisher.
The Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) is a bird species belonging to the oriole family. It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan. The Indian golden oriole (adult birds) differs from the Eurasian golden oriole by the black stripe running through the eye, as well as by several other characteristics.
In Kyrgyzstan, the Indian golden oriole mainly inhabits river valleys and floodplains where there are trees and other woody vegetation. It avoids high-altitude areas and does not ascend above 2,800 metres above sea level. In Kyrgyzstan, the Indian golden oriole prefers to nest in gardens, deciduous forests and nut-bearing forests. Its diet consists of berries and fruits, as well as invertebrates.
The Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small bird comparable in size to a sparrow or starling. It has a compact, rounded body, a short tail and a long, pointed bill. Its bright plumage and graceful flight make this bird an object of admiration.
The main habitats of the common kingfisher in Kyrgyzstan are ponds, reservoir shores, slow-flowing rivers and small bodies of water. They prefer not to settle in areas exceeding 2,000 metres above sea level. They build their nests in burrows in steep riverbanks. Small fish make up the main part of the common kingfisher's diet. In addition to fish, kingfishers also feed on dragonfly larvae and insects found near bodies of water.
The Indian golden oriole and the common kingfisher are wonderful representatives of the avian kingdom of Kyrgyzstan. Although they are relatively widespread, preserving their populations is the responsibility of all of us, as these birds are not only remarkable creations of nature but also important components of ecosystems that require our protection and care.
KEP expresses its gratitude to ornithologist and Candidate of Biological Sciences Sergey Kulagin for his valuable expert assistance in preparing this postage stamp issue.
The new KEP stamps demonstrate support for the important initiative of holding the specialized philatelic exhibition BIRDPEX 10. The official exhibition logo is featured on the FDC. We wish all participants and visitors of the exhibition great creative success and many joyful moments that philately brings to people!
Stamps description
No. 278. 150 KGS. The Indian golden orioleNo. 279. 300 KGS. The Common kingfisher
Technical specifications
Paper: coated, gummed, 105 g/m².
Printing method: full-color offset lithography.
Stamps perforation: comb 14½:14.
Stamps size: 27.5 × 46 mm.
Stamps are issued in minisheets of 6 stamps
Minisheets size: 108 × 113 mm.
Quantity issued: 7 200 pieces each stamp (1 200 minisheets each).
Designer: Daria Maier.
Printer House: "Nova Imprim" (Chișinău, Moldova).
A special cancellation on FDC will be carried out at the Bishkek KEP Office (729001) on the stamps issuing day.
The first day cover, postcards and special
postmark are designed by Daria Maier.
Cover size: С6 (162 × 114 mm).
Quantity of covers and postcards issued: 400 pieces each.
Endorsing ink color: black.
Stamps, maximum cards and FDCs can be purchased here.
