The type of the genus Caloruorax, is the well-known Mexican Star, C. cyanopogon, which, together with the new species discovered by M. Sallé, and named by me C. pulcher, are all that are known of this peculiar form. Both these birds are natives of Mexico—one inhabiting the table lands, the other the more southern and hotter districts. Both have very singularly formed tails—the outer feather being shorter than the next, and the four central ones so abbreviated as to be almost hidden by the coverts. When the males display their luminous gorgets, they must appear truly beautiful. The females possess none of this fine colouring, but, on the contrary, are very plainly attired.
Calothorax cyanopogon
Habitat: The table land of Northern Mexico
Plate 143
Calothorax cyanopogon
Mexican Star
Calothorax pulcher (Gould)
Habitat: Oaxaca in Southern Mexico
Plate 144
Calothorax pulcher
Beautiful Wood Star
Featuring all 422 illustrated species from John Gould’s A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds arranged by color.
Humming-Birds