The Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) depicted on the 2c stamp is found mainly on the watercourses along the central Queensland coast and in the far north of Australia. Although crimson finches are found near surface water they rarely drink it, preferring to take the dew from leaves or blades of grass. This finch has a noted preference for nesting in the cracks and crevices of buildings. This anti-social finch is a most aggressive member of the species and will attack and repel larger birds from its nest.
Details
- Series: 1979 Australian Birds
- Subject: Crimson Finch
- Designer: Kay Breeden Williams
- Printer: Note Issue Department, Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne
- Process: Multi-colour photogravure (Chambon press)
- Cylinders: Yellow Tint – Apple Green Tint – Vermillion – Light Brown Tint – Black (printing order)
- Paper: KP6T unwatermarked coated paper incorporating helecon
- Watermark: None
- Perf: 13.25 x 13.5 (comb)
- Sheet: Printed in two panes of 50 stamps (R5 x 10) divided by vertical gutter.
- Quantity: 67,130,500
Sheet Numbers
