Switzerland 1970, Hoopoe Bird, Pro Juventute 20 + 10

Switzerland (Helvetia) stamp 1970

Hoopoe Bird

Pro Juventute (For the Children) 20 + 10

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Pro Juventute is a charitable foundation in Switzerland established in 1912. It is dedicated to supporting the rights and needs of Swiss children and youth. So on the above stamp, 20 is for the post office and the plus 10 is for the kids.

Since 1913, the Swiss post office has issued an annual charity stamp series to support the work of Pro Juventute.

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The Hoopoe is a colourful medium sized bird that is found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive 'crown' of feathers.

The muscles of the head allow the Hoopoe's long bill to be opened when it is inserted into the ground.

The diet of the Hoopoe includes many species considered to be pests by humans; for example the pupae of the processionary moth, a damaging forest pest. For this reason the species is afforded protection under the law in many countries.