Birds of Prey stamps to be issued Jan. 20

The U.S. Postal Service salutes five kings of the sky with the Birds of Prey stamps: The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and northern harrier (Circus cyaneus).

These birds are depicted in colorful portraits and shown from the neck up. The artwork appears against a plain, white background.

Customers may preview the stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview.

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, thrive in diverse habitats and live on every continent except Antarctica. The roughly 500 species of raptors include birds that hunt by day, such as falcons, eagles and harriers, and birds that hunt by night - the owls. They share several common characteristics.

Birds of prey are carnivorous and use their powerful talons to capture prey. Their exceptionally keen eyesight allows them to see small objects in detail, even from a great distance. As predators high on the food chain, raptors play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.

Illustrator Robert Giusti worked with art director Howard E. Paine on this issuance. Giusti painted the original designs in acrylic on canvas board. The Birds of Prey stamps are being issued at the three-ounce rate. The stamps will be issued Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.