Birds of Tokelau

The results of a conservation survey conducted in 2011/2012 concluded that there are approximately 20 different species of native birds living in Tokelau: 14 seabirds, 1 heron, 4 waders and a pigeon. Many of Tokelau’s native bird species have come under threat from introduced pests such as rats and cats, as well as over-hunting and damage to nesting areas. Over the past few years, measures have been taken to ensure that Tokelau’s native birds are able to thrive. With these measures in place, at least six species of seabird have recovered in Tokelau over the past few decades.

There are three main species that dominate Tokelau’s native bird population, the black noddy or lakia, the brown noddy or gogo and the white tern or akiaki. A 2011/2012 survey revealed that each of these birds had been found in mating pairs numbering well into the thousands on each of Tokelau’s three atolls.

Throughout the year, Tokelau’s three atolls are also visited by various duck species from the north and the long tailed kern from New Zealand. Despite these visitors and the dominance of three species, a range of native birds are found across the atolls in smaller numbers. These native species include the Tiafee, Lakia, Katafa Gogo and Fuakoo, each of which was featured in this stamp issue.

Miniature Sheet and First Day Covers

The first day cover featured the black-naped tern, which typically breeds and roosts on islands so that it has ample access to the sea. This breed of tern can be found in many different locations but it very rarely ventures inland. As it nests on the ground it can be vulnerable to human and predator disturbance as well as flooding or other unpredictable weather patterns.

The miniature sheet first day cover featured a white tern chick. Its parents will nest in trees up to 15 metres off the ground and once the chick hatches from its pale egg with dark grey markings, it will hold on tightly to the branch it was hatched on. Rather than building a nest, white terns will lay their eggs in a depression in a branch or even a fork.

Product Listing for Birds of Tokelau

Image	Title	Description	Price
	Single Stamp	Single 45c 'Tiafee' gummed stamp.	$0.45
	Single Stamp	Single $1.40 'Lakia' gummed stamp.	$1.40
	Single Stamp	Single $2.00 'Katafa Gogo' gummed stamp.	$2.00
	Single Stamp	Single $3.00 'Fuakoo' gummed stamp.	$3.00
	Miniature Sheet	Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet.	$6.85
	First Day Cover	First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$7.35
	Miniature Sheet First Day Cover	First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$7.35