Tristan da Cunha Maxi cards: A Stunning Tribute to Island Birdlife
If you're a philatelist with a love for birds or a birdwatcher with a growing stamp collection the newly issued Maxi cards from Tristan da Cunha are a treasure worth discovering. This spectacular set highlights the birdlife of one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands.
Each Maxi card features:
·A postcard showing the bird or its habitat,
·A matching postage stamp depicting the same species
·A Tristan da Cunha Post Office cancellation cachet
These cards meet the standards of maximum philately, offering perfect harmony between image, stamp, and postmark all while celebrating Tristan’s unique and often endangered birdlife.
Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island are home to several bird species that are found nowhere else, and are the main breeding sites for many other species. This stamp series celebrates a selection of Tristan’s amazing birdlife.
1p Atlantic Petrel The Atlantic Petrel, Pterodroma incerta, is a large gadfly petrel that only breeds at the Tristan islands. As one of only three winter-breeding petrels on Tristan, large numbers were harvested for food in the 18th and early 19th centuries. As a result, most of the population of close to two million birds breeds on Gough Island, where they are threatened by predation by introduced House Mice. As a result, the species is listed as Endangered. At sea, Atlantic Petrels disperse widely throughout the temperate and sub-Antarctic waters of the South Atlantic, with most heading west towards South America rather than east towards Africa. They lay a single egg in a deep burrow in the ground, and only return to the islands at night to reduce the risk of predation by Brown Skuas.
5p Gough Finch The Gough Finch, Rowettia goughensis, was once known as the Gough Bunting, but it is the largest member of the tanager-finch family from South America. As its name suggests, it is only found on Gough Island, where it is the only songbird. In the absence of a thrush, the Gough Finch has evolved a longer bill than the finches of the Tristan archipelago, and has a more catholic diet. The juveniles appear very different from the adult illustrated in the stamp, and were initially described as a second species. Pairs are quite territorial, and typically lay two eggs in a cup nest during spring. Once common throughout the island, they are now largely confined to coastal cliffs and the highlands, seemingly due to depredation by introduced House Mice. With a total population of only one to two thousand birds, the species is listed as Critically Endangered.
10p Gough Moorhen The Gough Moorhen, Gallinula comeri, is a flightless species, closely related to the Common Moorhen. A similar flightless form on the main island of Tristan, G. nesiotis, went extinct in the late 19th century. Genetic evidence suggests that both evolved from vagrants from Africa rather than Asia, which makes them the only land birds to have colonised from the east. It was common on Gough in areas below 450 m, where the vegetation provides sufficient cover to protect them from Brown Skuas. However, most of the population was killed during the attempt to eradicate introduced House Mice from Gough Island in 2021. Fortunately, a handful of Gough Moorhens were introduced to Tristan in 1956, and the species is now found throughout the island in areas of fernbush vegetation. It is listed as Vulnerable to extinction.
45p Great Shearwater The Great Shearwater, Ardenna gravis, is a large shearwater that is virtually confined as a breeding species to the Tristan islands; only a few tens of pairs breed in the Falklands. It is one of the most abundant breeding seabirds at Tristan, with several million pairs breeding at Inaccessible and Nightingale, and close to one million pairs at Gough. It presumably used to also breed at the main island of Tristan, but no longer does so. It is a trans-Equatorial migrant that arrives at the islands in September, lays eggs in November, and departs back to the North Atlantic in April. During the breeding season, adults forage throughout the South Atlantic, from Argentina to southern Africa. It is the only species on the stamp issue not listed as threatened or near-threatened globally.
55p Northern Rockhopper Penguin The Northern Rockhopper Penguin, Eudyptes moseleyi, is the largest of the three species of rockhopper penguins, and is characterised by its luxuriant head tassels, extensive dark margins to the under flipper, and deeper call. As its name suggests, it breeds at more northerly locations than the other two rockhoppers, with over 95% of the population at the Tristan islands, and the remainder breeding on Amsterdam and St Paul islands in the central Indian Ocean. Its restricted range makes it one of the hardest penguins for people to see in the wild. It lays two eggs, but like all crested penguins, only raises at most one chick. The smaller, first-laid egg provides insurance in case the second-laid egg fails to hatch. Like all penguins, it is vulnerable to oil pollution, and many birds were killed after a bulk carrier ran aground on Nightingale Island in March 2011. Due to recent population decreases, it is listed as Endangered.
65p MacGillivray's Prion The MacGillivray's Prion, Pachyptila macgillivrayi, is an enigmatic seabird known only from Gough Island and a tiny remnant population at St Paul Island in the central Indian Ocean. Its occurrence on Gough was overlooked for many years, because it closely resembles the Broad-billed Prion, that is abundant around the main landing sites on Gough. It was only in 2011, when researchers collected skulls of prions from across the island, that it was discovered that two species of prion breed in different areas of the island. MacGillivray’s Prion breed two months later than Broad-billed Prions, which helps to prevent hybridisation between the two species. Prior to the attempt to eradicate introduced House Mice from Gough Island in 2021, few if any chicks were raised by the prions. Immediately after the eradication, prion breeding success improved dramatically, but very sadly, a few mice survived, and their numbers soon recovered. The species is listed as Critically Endangered, although this would change should a second attempt to remove mice from Gough succeed.
95p Inaccessible Island Rail The Inaccessible Island Rail, Laterallus rogersi, is the smallest flightless bird in the world. There were smaller flightless songbirds in New Zealand, but they all went extinct following the introduction of predators such as rats, mice, cats and stoats. As its name suggests, the Inaccessible Island Rail is only found on Inaccessible Island, where it is common throughout most of the island. However, it is more often heard than seen, as it remains in dense cover to avoid the unwanted attentions of Brown Skuas and Starchies. Pairs defend territories and lay two eggs in a well concealed nest in spring. The population is estimated at some 5,000 pairs, and there is no evidence that this has decreased in recent years, but the species is listed as Vulnerable to extinction because of the ongoing risk of an accidental introduction of rodents onto Inaccessible Island.
£1 Starchy (Tristan Thrush) The Tristan Thrush or Starchy, Turdus eremita, is one of the more charismatic birds at Tristan. It is the only landbird that has survived on the main island of Tristan; both the native moorhen and finch went extinct after the island was colonised in the 19th century. Starchies occur on all islands in the northern archipelago, with different subspecies recognised from each of the three main islands in the group. However, they are much less common on Tristan than they are on the uninhabited islands, and a visitor to Tristan would be lucky to see one. They mainly occur on the lower slopes of the peak above 900 m, although some persist on the steep coastal cliffs and in the gulleys that cross the island ‘base’. The species is listed as near threatened globally.
£1.50 Spectacled Petrel (Ringeye) The Spectacled Petrel or Ringeye, Procellaria conspicillata, is a large petrel that only breeds on the plateau of Inaccessible Island in the Tristan archipelago. It differs from the closely related White-chinned Petrel that breeds around the sub-Antarctic, by its distinctive white ‘spectacle’, blackish bill tip and lower-pitched calls. It breeds in summer in deep burrows, often with a muddy entrance moat. Non-breeding birds disperse throughout the temperate South Atlantic, with more heading west toward South America than east towards Africa. The species was on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century, but fortunately the introduced pigs on the island died out before they ate the last Spectacled Petrels. Since the 1930s, the petrel population has been increasing at around 7% per year, and there are currently more than 30,000 pairs. Despite this, the species remains listed as Vulnerable globally due to its restricted breeding range.
£2.50 Tristan Albatross The Tristan Albatross, Diomedea dabbenena, is one of five distinct forms of the Wandering Albatross, renowned as the bird with the longest wingspan. Like other northern-breeding populations, the Tristan Albatross is slightly smaller and its plumage whitens more slowly than the ‘snowy’ Wandering Albatross. Tristan Albatrosses used to breed on the main island of Tristan, but were hunted to extinction there; currently almost all breed on Gough Island, with only a few pairs on Inaccessible Island. They lay a single egg in January, which hatches in March and the chicks fledge in November. The breeding season is so long that only a few pairs attempt to breed in the year following a successful breeding attempt. Because they breed through winter, when introduced House Mice are most desperate for food, many chicks are attacked and killed by mice. Fully grown birds are also at risk from being caught accidentally on fishing gear, and the species is listed as Critically Endangered.
£3 Wilkins' Finch The Wilkins's Finch, Nesospiza wilkinsi, is confined to tiny Nightingale Island and is one of the naturally rarest birds in the world. It feeds on the fruit of the Island Tree Phylica arborea, and pairs defend breeding territories that contain at least some trees. A comprehensive survey estimated there were some 120 breeding pairs in 2017, but extensive storm damage to the woodlands north of the Ponds in 2019 reduced the number of pairs by roughly one third. As a result, the species was uplisted to Critically Endangered, but such events have occurred in the past, and the population probably fluctuates depending on the abundance and distribution of Island Trees. To help ensure the future of Wilkins’s Finch, Tristan’s conservation department is restoring Island Trees on the eastern lowlands of the island, where it was harvested historically for firewood.
£5 Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross The Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos, only breeds at Tristan and Gough. At sea, it is largely confined to the South Atlantic Ocean and adjacent Indian Ocean, but a few individuals wander north of the Equator into the North Atlantic. It is one of the smallest albatrosses, and its agility in the air and on land allows it to breed among dense vegetation. Pairs build a cone-shaped nest from mud among fernbush and tussock grass up to 800 m elevation on Tristan, but only up to 450 m on Gough Island. The single egg is laid in September, chicks hatch in November-December and fledge in April. The relatively short breeding season allows pairs to breed each year. The population at Tristan was impacted by harvesting for food, but it has been protected since 1976. The main threat currently is from accidental capture on fishing gear at sea. Although this threat is now less severe, thanks to various measures introduced to reduce the risk of catching seabirds, the species remains listed as Endangered.
First Day Cover - Nightingale Island Finch The Nightingale Island Finch, Nezospiza questi is a small billed bird that forages for seeds, berries and invertebrates. The species is listed as Vulnerable globally due to its small range and the risk accidental introduction of rodent predators.
We acknowledge with thanks the help and assistance of Peter Ryan, University of Cape Town
Technical details Design Andrew Robinson Printer Cartor Process Stochastic lithography Perforation 13 ½ x 13 ¼ per 2cms Stamp Size 42 x 28mm Sheet Layout 10 Release Date 26th May 2025 Production Co-ordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd
The unescorted 23,000 mile around the world voyage of The Dutch submarine Hr.Ms. K XVIII created considerable interest worldwide.
The vessel’s visit to the island of Tristan da Cunha in March 1935 was especially interesting as it gave the world a rare glimpse of one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands.
This special stamp issue released by the Tristan da Cunha Post Office commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965). One of the 20th century's most significant figures, Churchill remains popular in the UK and the rest of the English-speaking world.
Tristan da Cunha’s Farm Animals - A Unique and Vital Part of Island Life Issue date: 28th October 2024
Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited island in the world, is home not only to a tight-knit community of 230 people but also to a distinctive population of farm animals — introduced by the original settlers in the early 19th century — which continue to play an essential role in the islanders’ daily lives. Farming on Tristan is a time-honoured tradition passed down through generations. In a place where importing goods is challenging and infrequent, these animals provide the islanders with security and independence, allowing them to be largely self-sufficient.
For more than 200 years, Tristan’s sustainable farming practices have helped the community thrive in this remote and isolated environment.
55p Hens and £2 Ducks
Around the Settlement, coops for hens and ducks provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, making a significant contribution to the island’s self-sufficiency. Most households maintain small flocks of hens and ducks, which are not only key for producing eggs but also help recycle kitchen waste. The ducks, in particular, provide additional value by helping to control insect populations around the village.
70p Cows and £1 Sheep
Tristan’s herds of cows and flocks of sheep are vital to the community’s meat supply, ensuring reliable access to fresh, locally produced food.
The cattle, made up of a variety of breeds, are owned individually according to a quota, established by the Island Council, to prevent overgrazing. Currently, each household is entitled to one adult breeding cow, although additional semi-wild cattle are kept at The Caves and Stony Beach, beyond the quota system. A smaller number are also kept at Sandy Point. While primarily raised for meat, the cows also provide fresh dairy for the community.
The island’s sheep, a mix of breeds, are raised both for their wool and meat, contributing to the local food supply and the cottage industry that produces hand-made woollen goods. Sheep Shearing Day, typically held in December or January, is a significant event for the islanders, bringing the community together for a day of work followed by social gatherings and traditional braais. Mutton is a staple on the Tristan menu throughout the year, with the highlight being the traditional Christmas dinner featuring stuffed roast mutton. A number of sheep also roam the island's mountain slopes unattended, where they are harvested for meat when needed.
As Tristan da Cunha continues to preserve its unique biodiversity and maintain its sustainable way of life, its farm animals remain central to the community’s resilience and deep connection to the land.
Technical details:
Design: Andrew Robinson
Stamp size: 38 x 30.6mm
Printer: Cartor
Sheet layout: 10
Process: Stochastic lithography
Release date: 28 October, 2024
Perforation: 13 ¼ x 13 per 2cms
Production Co-ordination: Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd
This new issue from Tristan da Cunha features various flags flown on the island over the centuries.
Jonathan Lambert's Flag Although Tristan was discovered in 1506, it was not until 1810 that the first attempt to settle the island was made by Jonathan Lambert from Salem, Massachusetts. Lambert pronounced himself sovereign of Tristan da Cunha and a proclamation was printed in the Boston Gazette of 18 July 1811. In that proclamation he adopted a flag for the islands.
Guidon of the 21st Light Dragoons The 21st Light Dragoons was a cavalry regiment of the British Army and between 1806 and 1816 it was stationed in the Cape Colony. They sailed for Tristan on HMS Falmouth in 1816. Corporal William Glass, an artillery driver, was part of the garrison. He, with his wife and children, stayed to become the founders of the new colony after the garrison left Tristan in 1817.
White Ensign of the Royal Navy The White Ensign, flown on Royal Navy ships and shore establishments, was used on the island initially in 1816, when it was officially annexed then from 1942 to 1944, when it was HMS Job 9, and from 1944 to 1946, when the island was HMS Atlantic Isle.
Current Tristan Flag The Tristan flag was assigned in a proclamation made on 20 October 2002 by Governor Hollamby under a Royal Warrant granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Tristan Administrator's Flag - The Flag of the Tristan da Cunha Administrator is depicted on the FDC. It was also assigned in the October 2002 proclamation by Governor Hollamby.
As an Island Nation, Tristan da Cunha is acutely aware of maritime hazards. Tristan has no official Lifeboat service, but the island archipelago has seen many shipwrecks over the years.
Tristan has chosen to release two issues to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the creation of the RNLI. Part 2 depicts Tristan Rescue Boats that have been used over the years.
55p Whaling Boat, 19th century. The whaleboat was a double-ended, light, open boat with a length of 27ft - 31ft and a beam of slightly more than ⅕ the length. It was pulled with oars and sailed.
These were used by islanders to aid many stricken sailors. Two well-known rescues were of the Blenden Hall & Mabel Clark.
85p Barge, Pequena. Built in South Africa the Pequena was bought in by the South African fishing company, Tristan Investments. A 30ft, self- propelled fiberglass and wood barge with a flat hull and 6-cylinder diesel engine.
£1.30 Launch, Atlantic Spray. The Atlantic Spray was built in 1982 by staff at the local fishing factory (Tristan Investments) for the Government using the design of the fishing boats. The Atlantic Spray is a 27ft long fiberglass and wood boat powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine.
£2 RIB, Atlantic Dawn. An 8m tornado search and rescue RIB the Atlantic Dawn is powered by two Yamaha 200hp outboards. She has a range of 150miles, can carry a max of 10 people and is designed to carry stretchers. The Atlantic Dawn is used for ship to shore operations in poor weather conditions, as a support boat when Islanders go to the Caves, Stoney Beach & Nightingale Island and has assisted in countless medical emergencies.
FDC Cover, Wave Dancer.The Wave Dancer is a Pacific 38 cabin RIB with a range of 200 miles. She is used as a fisheries patrol vessel, fishing and customs inspections, inshore science surveys, and outer-island trips to conduct patrols and support scientific research. The Wave Dancer assists the search and rescue craft during poor weather conditions for operations further offshore.
The creation of a service dedicated to the saving of lives at sea was the vision of Sir William Hillary. In 1823 Hillary proposed the creation of a lifeboat service manned by trained crews dedicated to the saving of lives and property from shipwrecks and vessels in distress.
The story of the RNLI is one of courage and dedication. Since the charity launched its first lifeboat in 1824, the RNLI has saved more than 146,000 lives at sea.
The 200th Anniversary of the creation of the RNLI. Part 1 depicts various rescue boats used by the RNLI during its history.
85p First Steam Lifeboat, 1890. Sixty years after the idea was first mooted by Sir William Hillary, the Duke of Northumberland went into service in September 1890. Duke of Northumberland used waterjets instead of propellors. Three hydraulic steam-driven lifeboats were in service for over 40 years and saved 570 lives.
£1.30 First Motor Lifeboat, 1930. The first fast motor lifeboat was designed to reach casualties rapidly. Sir William Hillary, named after the RNLI’s founder, was developed in response to an increasing number of aircraft flying over the Channel, and coming down at sea.
£2 Shannon Class, 2013. The RNLI’s first Shannon class lifeboat was named Jock and Annie Slater, after a former RNLI Chairman, Sir Jock Slater, and his wife, Lady Annie Slater. The Shannon class is the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to be powered by waterjets instead of propellers, making her fast with speeds up to 25 knots, and agile.
On Tristan da Cunha there are many garden flowers that have been introduced over the years. There is no Garden Centre where one can purchase plants so everything is either grown from seed or cuttings. Islanders share young plants they have grown from their garden with each other whilst many seeds are bought from South Africa and the UK.
Some of the garden flowers that were brought in as ornamentals have now dispersed into the wild. These flowers now growing around the settlement are free for everyone to enjoy.
The determination of most Tristan islanders to return home from their enforced volcanic evacuation in October 1961 began in earnest on 13th April 1962 when islanders Adam Swain and Joe Glass returned to England from the Royal Society Expedition declaring that the island was fit for habitation. It proved a tricky exercise to plan and carry out resettlement.
