Genus Stellula

Generic characters.

Male.—Bill longer than the head, straight and pointed; wings moderately long and sickle-shaped; first primary rigid; tail short and truncate; feet small; claws diminutive and curved.

The starry throat-mark of this bird would appear to indicate that it should be associated with the members of the next genus, Calothorax; but on an examination of the tail we find it to be short and truncate, and that consequently the bird is of a very different form.

At present but one species of this form has been discovered; and this ranges very far north, not only over the high lands of Mexico, but even enters California, as is shown by specimens having been sent to me from thence by Dr. Baird of Washington, and Mr. Bridges of California.

• 161.

  Stellula Calliope

  Habitat: The table lands of Northern Mexico and California

  Plate 142 Calothorax Calliope Mexican Satellite