Currency

1st series - Merill, Malta's national bird

1972

1st series - Merill, Malta's national bird

Merill

The blue rock thrush (merill) is Malta's national bird. It is 20-23cm long and has a long slim bill.  It nests in rock cavities and buildings near the sea, and usually lays 3-5 eggs. It eats a wide variety of insects in addition to berries. The male blue rock thrush has a blue-grey plumage and has a clear, melodious call. The increase of inhabited areas in Malta has pushed the merill to sea-cliff habitats. 

Type

Denomination

Diameter (mm)

Gross Weight (g)

Finesse

Designer

Mint

Mintage

Gold

Lm20

26

12

0.916

Pietro Giampaoli

SMOM, Rome