Volume 3, Plate IV / Ornithology (Birds)

Purple Humming-Bird

Trochilus cœligena

Remarkable for beauty and rarity and exceeding five inches, this strongly proportioned Mexican species has its plumage suffused with an unusual purple that overpowers the family’s common hues, the upper parts a rich purplish-red shading from violet to sparkling red. The lower back and tail-coverts show golden-green lustre, the throat and breast are delicate grey, the vent nearly white, and the ample slightly forked tail and broad wings share the prevailing purple tint.