Iran 3000R Definitive Issued in 2001
Enlarged view of the 3000R stamp


Sylvia nana, adult winter, from Baker's 'Warblers of Europe'
Sylvia nana, adult winter, from Baker's 'Warblers of Europe'

Iran has produced an interesting series of stamps showing birds since 1994, but this one has presented a problem. For me, it looks like a warbler and its general pale appearance suggested that it might be a Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana). I've included a field guide image of the Desert Warbler for comparison. There are at least 3 major differences: colour of eyes and legs, and length of wing. Some points in favour: yellow bill, dark crescent marks behind ear coverts, and dark alula.

I found a few photographs on the web particularly one on a Finnish site.

If anyone would like to comment on this proposal, please email me.

Added 2 September, 2001