Selasphorus Floresii

One of the very finest birds in the Loddigesian Collection was presented to the late Mr. George Loddiges by Mr. Floresi.

The specimen is in the best state of preservation; and the bird must have been killed immediately after its moulting had been completed, when its plumage was in its greatest beauty. It would, indeed, be most difficult, if not impossible, to represent the colour of the head and throat by any artistic means at our command. In brilliancy it fully equals that of the freshly moulted males of Selasphorus rufus, but differs from that and all the other known species of the genus in having the entire crown, as well as the gorget, of the brightest flame colour. In the form and colouring of its tail it is a true Selasphorus, while the disposition of the colours of the body allies it to Calypte.

I have been kindly permitted by Miss Loddiges to take a drawing of the bird; and that lady has also placed in my hands the following note made by her father in reference to this species:—

August 11, 1845. Mr. Floresi sent me a most beautiful new Humming-Bird, which I call Floresii. It is from Bolanos, and is nearly allied to Annæ, but is much more brightly coloured; viewed in front, it is nearly scarlet; the sides of the collar are ruby-colour or crimson; the head is bright ruby-colour; and the tail is something like that of platycercus, but has brown inner webs. Mr. Floresi says it is the only one he has ever seen.

Crown and throat beautiful scarlet, with violet reflexions, the violet hue predominating on the crown and the tips of the gorget; breast and centre of the abdomen greyish white; upper surface of the body and upper tail-coverts bronzy green; flanks similar but paler; two centre tail-feathers green with purple reflexions; outer webs of the lateral tail-feathers purple, inner webs deep reddish buff; wings purplish brown; bill black.

The figures are of the natural size. The plant is the Echinocactus Visnaga.

References

More hummingbirds in the genus Selasphorus

• Selasphorus rufus Rufous Flame-bearer
• Selasphorus Scintilla Little Flame-bearer
• Selasphorus platycercus Broad-tailed Flame-bearer
• Selasphorus torridus Torrid Flame-bearer
• Selasphorus henshawi Henshaw’s Flame-bearer
• Selasphorus ardens Salvin’s Flame-bearer
• Selasphorus flammula Rosy-throated Flame-bearer