The Natural History of Humming-Birds

Like Fairy Sprites, a thousand birds
Glance by on golden wing,
Birds lovelier than the lovely hues
Of the bloom wherein they sing.

In our first volume, devoted to the illustration of a portion of this splendid tribe of birds, we endeavoured to collect all the information contained in the numerous voyages of discovery, and the expensive and elegant works which have been devoted to their natural history.¹ It cannot, therefore, now be expected that we have discovered many additional facts regarding their curious habits and economy. But in our farther researches, we have been led more and more to wonder at the brightness of their external covering, and to admire the wisdom which has so admirably adapted the structure to the wants of these frail and shining beings. In the present volume we have given descriptions of most of the birds which have been satisfactorily established, and trust that the young Ornithologist will thus be enabled to determine the greater number of those which may come under his observation; these, as far as possible, follow a plate somewhat representing the particular form. At the conclusion, we have given a condensed Synopsis of the species, mentioning with each the modern genus in which it has been placed. An arrangement of the genera is not now attempted; for it is not yet very clearly established how these genera should stand, even by those who have had opportunities of seeing the greater part of the family together—and we are not surprised at this, when we look at the almost infinite variety of form which is assumed among them. They will one day constitute a most useful illustration of the natural system, strikingly representing forms in the other divisions of the great class to which they belong.

When alluding to the splendid plumage and singular feathered appendages of the males, we did not mention that we conceived it peculiar to the season of incubation. In many of those which are described as the young, before the brilliant plumage has been attained, we consider that it is from the difference of season, not of age, that this takes place; and instead of being called the adult plumage, it should rather obtain the name of the nuptial dress. We believe a change takes place in the plumage of all birds at the beginning of spring, or at the time when the business of reproduction commences. This is marked either by a greater brilliancy, or by the appearance of rich ruffs, crests, or some additional appendage of the skin or feathers. After the first months of the love season have passed, these are lost, and at the autumnal moult, the plumage is thickened, and commences the preparation for a sufficient clothing in winter, and a display of splendour for the ensuing spring. Among our native birds, we have constant and familiar examples of this, though perhaps they are not always noticed. The Chaffinch loses the brown tips to the feathers on his crown, and they become a rich and beautiful blue; the Linnet those of his breast, which assume a lovely crimson tint. The Snow Bunting, so common on the wild moors during winter, from a pleasing brown changes to a pure black and white. The Heron and Lapwing gain their beautiful crests, the former his pendent breast-feathers, and the Egrets receive their valuable ornaments. The numerous tribes of Bustards, Plovers, and Sandpipers, are some of the most remarkable for the distinct variation of their colours. The lower parts of the males, in almost all the species of the two first groups, assume a deep and glossy black while in the Sandpipers, bright shades of chestnut brown are the emblems that the season of incubation has commenced, and in one singular instance, the variable ruff reminds us of the Ruff-necked Humming-birds. Among the web-footed water-fowl we have similar changes. The common black headed Gull gains its soft and chaste looking cowl; the Teal, Wild Drake, and Goosander, their glossy heads; the Divers, the curious markings of their throats; the Grebes the lengthened fringes which spring from their cheeks or auricular feathers; and instances of the change of colour, or increased brilliancy of the skin, maybe mentioned in the naked space surrounding the eye of the Pheasant, the skin above the eyes of the various Grouse, and the forehead of the Coot and Water-Hen. Many other common instances might be given from our own well-known birds; and the inhabitants of other climes will present many still more singular, though none perhaps so splendid, as the temporary adornments of Humming-birds.

Regarding their manners during the breeding season, we may mention, in addition to what was related in the introductory chapter to the first volume, that both male and female sit by turns, and, on the authority of M. Drapiez, that there are two, three, and sometimes four broods in the year. This last fact will enable us better to account for the immense profusion of these little birds which are generally found together. Their nest seems to be built in a greater variety of shapes, and of more varied materials, than the compact and elegant structures which we see in collections, and which have been sent to this country, more from their beauty and neatness than for the sake of increasing our knowledge of their formation. The following remarks upon the manners of the Ruby-crested Humming-bird, which describe its manner of building, I have copied from a letter received a few weeks since from my very active correspondent, Mr Kirk, resident in the island of Tobago. Speaking of the appearance of this species in that island, he says,

Thus the Ruby Humming-bird makes its appearance here on the 1st of February. Some say it is found in the leeward part of the island all the year; others, that it arrives earlier by a month than to the windward; the latter I think more probable. Certain I am, that there is no individual in the island who takes so much exercise in the woods as I do; and I can positively say, that since the 1st of August last, and perhaps some time previous, until the 1st of February, I have not seen one of these birds; and now (1st March) they are abundant. They begin to make their nest about the 10th of February. I now know of several containing two eggs each, and watched one yesterday for nearly an hour. Her manner of construction was very ingenious: bringing a pile of small grass or lichen, she commenced upon a small twig, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, immediately below a large leaf, which entirely covers and conceals the nest from above, the height from the ground being about three feet. After the nest had received two or three of these grasses, she set herself in the centre, and putting her long slender beak over the outer edge, seemed to use it and her throat much in the same way as a mason does his trowel, for the purpose of smoothing, rubbing to and fro, and sweeping quite round. Each visit to the nest seemed to occupy only a couple of seconds, and her absence from it not more than as many minutes. In a few hours after I saw the nest, which had all the appearance of a finished one. I expect to find an egg there today.

In conclusion to the history of the economy of these birds, as far as our present information reaches, we add their description by a modern poet, a native of one of their own fair isles.

Still sparkles here the glory of the west,
Shews his crowned head, and bares his jewelled breast,
In whose bright plumes the richest colours live,
Whose dazzling hues no mimic art can give.
The purple amethyst, the emerald’s green,
Contrasted mingle with the ruby’s sheen
While over all a tissue is put on
Of golden gauze, by fairy fingers spun.
Small as a beetle, as an eagle brave.
In purest ether he delights to lave-,
The sweetest flowers alone descends to woo.
Rifles their sweets, and lives on honey-dew.
So light his kisses, not a leaf is stirred
By the bold, happy, amorous Humming-bird
No disarray, no petal rudely moved,
Betrays the flower the collibree has loved.

Descriptions

Little Amethystine Humming-Bird

Trochilus omethystoides.—Lesson.

Le petit Amethyste: Ornismya amethystoides, Lesson, Trochilidées pls. xxv. xxvi. and xxvii.

This species Lesson thinks different from that represented on the following plate, and apparently with reason. It is scarcely more than two inches and a half in length: the upper parts are golden-green, with blue reflections; the throat and fore part of the neck are of a rich reddish amethyst colour, whereas in the T. amethystinus it is of a pure and brilliant violet. A collar of clear grey follows this beautiful patch, which gradually passes into the shades of the under parts. The tail is ample, and deeply forked.

In the young assuming the perfect plumage figured by Lesson, the tail is rather rounded than forked, and the whole plumage is of a deep and sombre shade, relieved by the white which occupies the place of the amethystine patch, by a white crescent on the breast, and a band of the same colour crossing the rump. In the succeeding plate of the young, the likeness to the other representations is scarcely recalled; the upper parts are of a chaste reddish-brown, tinged with green on the head, and without any trace of the white band on the rump; the tail is rounded at the end, and is dark olive-brown, the centre feathers having a greater tinge of green than upon the others, the whole are tipped with a narrow band of the same colour with the upper parts. The throat and fore part of the neck are white, interspersed with the young scaly brightly coloured feathers; and the belly and vent are pale reddish-brown, having a slight indication of the crescent band. In all the young species, the wings reach to about the middle of the tail; and it is a curious circumstance, that, in the adults, it should assume a deeply forked shape, and that the young feathers should appear in the very reverse form.—The next bird belonging to the “Amethysts,” is the

In the Plates representing the birds assuming the adult plumage, those parts which shew the amethystine tints are pure white, the feathers in this state exhibiting no appearance of a scaly form, and a few violet feathers are represented appearing. The plumage is a little duller in shade, and the tail has not reached the greatest development of the fork; but the white band is conspicuous, running over upon the back.

In the very young state, the tail is like that of those allied birds just described, rounded, with pale tips, the colour dark. The upper parts are a pale golden green. The patch on the throat is pure white, running into the crescent-shaped band, and the vent and belly are reddish-brown.

This species is a native of the north parts of Guiana and Brazil, and, though long known, is by no means common in modern collections. The next bird we shall mention as allied to this is the

Ruby-Throated Humming-Bird

Trochilus rubineus.—Linnæus.

Trochilus rubineus, Linnæus.—L’Oiseau a gorge rouge du Brazil, Buffon.—Ruby-throated Humming-Bird, Latham, General History of Birds, iv. p. 342.—L’Oiseau mouche rubis, Ornismya rubinea. Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, pls. xliv. xlv. and xlvi.

This very splendid species has been described by authors under various names, in the states from young to adult plumage. We shall endeavour to point out its marking in the different liveries.

The adult male is above four inches in length; the whole of the covering of the body, except the throat, is of a very dark uniform golden green, brightest on the front of the breast, and on those parts where the feathers are scale-formed, on the lower part of the vent it is tinged with brown. The throat is adorned with a patch of very splendid ruby colour, assuming golden reflections; the wings are brownish purple, inclining to green on the shoulders, and the tail, which can scarcely be said to have any fork, is of a bright cinnamon red, with a narrow band of black at the tip; the under coverts are of the same colour.

The female has the upper parts of a lively green, beneath fine reddish brown, shaded to grey on the vent, and without any trace whatever of the splendid patch on the throat; behind the eye there is a white spot, and a line of the same colour runs from the opening of the mouth to the auriculars. The colour of the tail is not so bright as in the male, and the centre feathers are tinged with green.

The young of the first year, according to Lesson, is brown above, with a golden greenish lustre; beneath, dull grey; the outer tail-feathers reddish, the next black, tipped with white, and the centre ones greenish-brown. In the second year it resembles the female, but there is a slight tinge of ruby colour on the throat. And in the third year, the brownish colour of the plumage still remains, but is more tinged with green, the patch on the throat is defined, and rich scaly feathers commence in parts to appear, and the tail is red. The young of this species, according to Lesson, would therefore appear to require the fourth summer to perfect their plumage, to attain the full perfection of all their organs.

The Ruby-throated Humming-Bird is a native of the Brazils. Species brought from that country by MM. Quoy and Gaimard, decided the before undetermined locality of the species.

Wedge-Tailed Amethystrine Humming-Bird

Trochilus montana.—Lesson.

L’Amethyste du Mexique, Ornismya montana, Lesson, Trochilidées, pls. liii lxiii. and liv lxiv.

This bird differs from those arranged under the title of amethysts, by the form of the tail, which is strongly wedge-shaped at the tip. It would seem, as far as we can judge from the representation of Lesson, to range nearer the Nootka Humming-Bird.

It is a native of Mexico; its length is about three inches. The upper parts of the plumage are of a dear and shining green, and a large patch of bright amethystine red covers the breast, and is bordered beneath by a band of pure white; the belly and vent are white, dashed with reddish on the flanks. The tail, of the form we have mentioned, has the centre feathers of a clear green, the lateral ones brown, bordered with chestnut, and having a round whitish spot on the tip of each of the outer ones.

In the young, the throat wants the amethystine patch, and with the rest of the under parts is nearly white.

In this place it will be proper to introduce one or two species, which are in many respects near allies. The first we shall mention is the

Sapphire and Emerald Humming-Bird

Trochilus bicolor.—Gmelin.

Trochilus bicolor, Gmelin, edition of Linnæus.—Sapphire and Emerald Humming-Bird, Latham, General History, iv. p. 329 Le Sapphire emeraude, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, p. 161, Pls. xlix and l.

This species is distinguished at once from that figured on the last plate, by the rich green of the whole body, except the throat, breast and tail. In the above mentioned bird these parts are tinged with a much greater shade of blue, and seem in some lights to be almost of that colour; the crown is of a very deep tint, and appears much darker than the rest of the body; the throat and breast gradually shading into the belly, are very rich blue, with metallic lustre; the tail is deep steel-blue above and below, and appears scarcely so much forked as in the preceding bird; the bill has the upper mandible black, the lower yellowish white, except at the tip, which is brown. The female resembles the male, except on the under parts; the beautiful blue of the throat and breast is nearly pure white, and, as it reaches the belly and vent, becomes mixed with green. The young birds differ by the blue throat being very dull, by the vent and flanks being of a greenish black, and by the whole plumage wanting in brilliancy.

It is a native of French Guiana, and Latham mentions it from the island of Guadaloupe.

The Ourissia

Trochilus Maugerii.—Lesson.

Trochilus Maugerii, Vieillot.—T. Ourissia? Linnæus.—Meillisuga Surinamensis, Edwards.—Oiseau-mouche Mauge, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, pls. lxviii. and lxix.

There is considerable difficulty in the unravelling of the synonyms and opinions regarding this species, and it is most probable that the name applied by Vieillot, and latterly by Lesson, must be supplanted by that of Ourissia.

We give the description of the bird, figured under the first title. It is about three inches and a half in length; the bill black, with the base of the under mandible yellow; the upper parts are dull green, but with very brilliant reflections, approaching sometimes to blue, and the same colour occupies the fore part of the breast; on the throat and belly the green is more brilliant; the vent and under tail coverts are greyish; the tail is deeply forked, of a steel blue, and it may be remarked, that this will be the character which will distinguish it from those it has been confounded with.

The female, according to Lesson, is less, and with all the colours duller; the lower parts grey; the tail slightly forked; the centre feathers green, the others brown, tinged with blue, and the two centre ones tipped with white. The specimens which Lesson describes were sent from Porto Rico.

The next species is

The Blue-Fronted Humming-Bird

Trochilus glaucopis.—Gmelin.

Trochilus glaucopis, Gmelin, edition of Linnæus.—The Blue Fronted Humming-Bird, Trochilus frontalis, Latham, General History, vol. iv. p. 352.—Oiseau-mouche glaucope, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, p. 175, Pls. lviii–lix.

The forehead of this species is of a rich metallic blue, with violet reflections; the upper parts of the body are of a rather dull green, but which, according to Dr Latham, is darker in some specimens, and in others nearly of the same tint with the lower parts. The lower parts are bright emerald green, with the feathers on the throat and breast in the form of scales; the vent and under tail coverts are greyish white; the tail is deeply forked, the feathers composing it broad, but graduated at the tips; the colour is an intense steel blue.

The only discrepancy between the description of Lesson, who has figured both sexes, and that of Dr Latham, is, that the latter describes the legs feathered to the toes, the former has drawn them unplumed.

The female wants the blue upon the crown, which is of the same uniform green with the upper parts; the throat, breast, and belly, are of a dull grey, dashed with green on the flanks, and the tail is greenish above, with a blue tip.

The young of the first year have the head brown, the under parts of a clear grey, covered with a collar of golden green upon the higher part of the breast. This species inhabits Brazil.

Audebert’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus cœruleus.—Audebert.

Trochilus cœruleus, Audebert, Oiseaux dorées, pl. 40.—L’Oiseau-mouche Audibert, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, 164. pl. li.

This species, to which Lesson has applied the title of Audebertii, though described by that naturalist under another name, is closely allied to T. bicolor, and is introduced by Buffon as a variety of it. The upper parts are of a dull green, the lower parts, except the throat and vent, bright emerald green the throat is a rich sapphirine blue, and the vent and under tail-coverts are white. The form of the tail differs from that of the T. bicolor, being completely rounded at the tip; above and below it is of a deep and dull blue. It is a native of Guiana.

There are yet two birds to be introduced here, which, as far as we can judge without an examination of specimens, are much allied to those just described, and of which Plate xvi. will give some idea of the form. They both appear to have been unfigured before the beautiful work of Lesson gave us a knowledge of them. The first that naturalist has described under the title of

Swainson’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus Swainsonii.—Lesson.

Le Swainson, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oisseaux-mouches, pl. 70.

Before describing this bird, we may remark that Lesson has also applied the name of this distinguished British ornithologist to another Humming-Bird, and the only reason that we can see for retaining it to both is, that the other, represented on our thirtieth Plate, will belong to a separate group of this large family, that of which T. hirsutus forms the type, and which has been characterised by Swainson under the name of Pæthornus, and by Boié under that of Glaucis.

It is rather a large species, being above four inches in length; the upper parts are of a uniform golden green tint, while the throat and fore part of the neck are clothed with feathers of the most brilliant emerald green, and which shade into a duller tint upon the flanks; on the middle of the breast there is a patch of velvety black; the vent plumes are whitish. The tail is deeply forked, and of a dull indigo blue.

This species is described by Lesson from a single specimen in the Parisian gallery. It was received from Brazil. The other bird we alluded to may be termed the

Crimson-Rumped Humming-Bird

Trochilus erythronotus.—Lesson.

L’Erythronote, Ornismya erythronotos, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, p. 181. pl. lxi.

This bird, Lesson observes, may prove to be the young of the last. But although the form is very similar, the colour seems so distinct, that it is unlike what is seen in the others which vary from the young to the adult plumage. In length it is little above three inches. The head, back of the neck, and entire under parts, are of an emerald green, which, though dull, shews changes of tint with the position. On the under side the colour is quite uniform, and without any black patch. The lower part of the back, rump, and the wing-coverts, are of a rich crimson, with golden reflections. The tail is deeply forked, and is of an indigo-blue colour on both surfaces. It is a native of Brazil.

Neuwied’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus cyanogenys.—Neuwied.

L’Oiseau-mouche Wied, Troehilus Wiedii, Lesson, Supplement, pl. xxvi.

This is closely allied to the preceding, but is considerably smaller. The upper plumage is of a brilliant and shining sapphirine-green, with yellowish reflections. The lower parts are of a clearer or more emerald tinge, and are shaded into pure white at the vent. The throat and auriculars are of a brilliant sapphirine-blue. The tail is rounded at the end, and is of a very deep steel-blue, with green reflections above. It was discovered by Prince Newied, in Brazil.

The Atala

Trochilus Atala.—Lesson.

L’Atala, Ornismya Atala, Lesson, Trochilidées, pl. xlii.

This species is also very closely allied to several of those preceding. It is two inches and a-half in length, and is above and below of a clear emerald-green, without any blue on the throat. The vent and tail-coverts are pure white. The tail, which is square, is of a steel-blue, deep and bright. It is a native of Brazil.

Another bird, allied in form and colouring to this, and figured by Temminck, is the

Scaly-Throated Humming-Bird

Trochilus squamosus.—Temminck.

Oiseau-mouche ecaillé, Trochilus squamosus, Temminck, Planches Coloriées, pl. 205.—Oiseau-mouche, Temminck.—Ornismya Temminckii, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oisseaux-mouches, pl. xx. Male.

To this bird Lesson has given the name of M. Temminck, its first describer, but as usual we have retained the name which that gentleman originally gave. It has exactly the same form with the last we have described, and the markings are all so similar, that the same species might almost be made by a change of colour on the same engraving. The colour of the body is of a rich green. The throat, where the amethystine patch of the former is placed, is a pure white, but the base of each feather is distinctly marked with a deep shade of grey, which gives a scaly appearance to that part, and from whence Temminck has taken the character for his name; a white line is continued along the centre of the lower parts, and joins the tail-coverts of the same colour. Its native country is also Brazil.

White-Throated Humming-Bird

Trochilus albicollis.—Vieillot.

Oiseau-mouche à gorge blanche; Trochilus albicollis, Temminck, Planches Coloriées, 203 Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, pl. lxiii.

Another species, also corresponding in form with the last. There is, however, a considerable difference in Lesson and Temminck’s representation of the same bird, the first making the white patch appear in the middle of the breast, the latter placing it where the scaly feathers are in the preceding. The rest of the plumage is of a bright green, except the centre of the belly, and under tail-coverts, which have the same mesial line with the others. The tail is scarcely so much forked as in the last; the two centre feathers are entirely brownish-green, the others dull blue, with white tips. It inhabits Brazil.

There is yet a fourth species, which will most naturally be introduced here, though it differs in the form of the tail: it is the

Superb Humming-Bird

Trochilus superbus.—Shaw.

Superb Humming-bird; Trochilus superbus, Shaw, Naturalist’s Miscellany, vol. xii xiii. pl. 517.—Zoology, vol. viii. p. 323.—Oiseau-mouche superbe, Temminck, Planches Coloriées, 299.—Oiseau-mouche Corinne, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, pl. ii.

This splendid species was first noticed and de scribed by Dr Shaw: afterwards it was figured by Temminck; and again it is represented by Lesson, who has applied to it the name of “Corinne,” for what reason he does not explain. The description of its discoverer is as follows:

It is unquestionably one of the finest of this brilliant race. Its length is about four inches and a quarter; the bill being long in proportion to the bird, straight and black: the crown of the head bright sky-blue; from the bill to the head, on each side, a moderately broad black stripe, and beneath this a white stripe: throat and upper part of the breast of a most brilliant scarlet, the feathers full, or somewhat projecting; remainder of the body, both above and below, golden-green, but paler or greyer beneath: wings purplish-brown; tail of the same, but the outsides of the feathers golden-green, appearing of that colour when closed; each of the two outside feathers tipped with white.

The modern plates agree with this description, except that there is no trace of the black line beneath the blue of the head. But Temminck says that the females only are distinguished by this mark. The tail is very strongly wedge-shaped, instead of the form assumed by the three we have just now described. This species is a native of the Antilles—the island of Trinité.

The next we may mention is the

Green Humming-Bird

Trochilus viridis.—Audebert & Vieillot.

Trochilus viridis, Audebert, Oiseaux dorées.—Colibri cyanure, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Colibris, pl. xi.

This species, more sombre-looking than usual, is about four inches and a half in length. The whole plumage of the body is of an emerald-green, without much reflection, except upon the upper tail-coverts, and the tint is nearly of one shade on every part: the tail, which is of the same form with the two preceding, is entirely of a steel-blue, having the outer edge of the last feathers relieved with a narrow fringe of white. The only specimen with which M. Lesson is acquainted came from Porto Rico.

Green Black-Bellied Humming-Bird

Trochilus holosericeus.—Linnæus.

Trochilus holosericeus, Linnæus.—Green Black-bellied Humming-Bird, Edward’s Birds, pl. 36.—Latham’s General History, iv. p. 313.—Colibri vert et noir, Buffon.—Le Caraibe, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches des Colibris, pl. xx.

This species is in length about four inches and a The upper parts are of a bright golden-green: on the throat there is a patch of scaly feathers of an emerald-green, and immediately below a band of rich metallic blue, varying in size. The rest of the lower parts, except the tail-coverts, are of a deep blue, or brownish-black: the tail-coverts are white. The tail is entirely of a deep steel-blue, in some lights appearing nearly dull black.

The female, says Lesson, “according to Brisson, resembles the male.” It is probable, however, that this sex has not yet been distinguished. Dr Latham gives Mexico and Guiana for the habitation of this bird; while Lesson thinks that it is confined to the Antilles alone. It may be worth attention, as two species may be included in those from the different countries.

The next bird begins to assume more of the plumage of T. hirsutus: it is the

White-Tailed Humming-Bird

Trochilus leucurus.—Linnæus.

Trochilus leucurus, Linnæus.—Colibri à collier rouge, Buffon.—White-tailed Humming-Bird, Latham, General History, iv. 308.—Edwards, pl. cclvi.—Le colibri ruficol, pl. xxii.

This species is nearly similar to the preceding birds in size, but it is of a narrower or more slender make. The upper parts are of a golden-green; a stripe of reddish-brown passes from the eye above the auriculars, and another line of white from the rictus below them. The chin is blackish-grey, and immediately succeeding is a patch or collar of chestnut-red, without reflections; from thence the green of the upper parts spreads itself upon the breast, in the form of a broad band. The belly and vent are of a reddish-grey; the under tail-coverts green, bordered with a fringe of white. The centre tail-feathers are golden green, those on the outside greyish-white, each diagonally tipped with black. The plumage of the female and young do not seem to be known. It inhabits Dutch Guiana, and has been brought from Surinam. The next very splendid species which we have to introduce, though agreeing in the general distribution of colour, has the tail considerably forked; it is the

Aurulent Humming-Bird

Trochilus aurulentus.—Latham.

Aurulent Humming-Bird, Trochilus aurulentus, Latham, General History, iv. p. 307.—Le Hausse col doré, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Colibris, pls. xvi. xvii. xviii. xix.

Lesson has devoted no less than four plates to this splendid species, which we have said differs from the others placed in this group, by the forked tail. This form of the tail, however, is peculiar to the males, that of the young and females being in accordance with the characters of the others. It is a curious fact, that, in a great many species, the tail, which assumes such a variety of form, deviates in the males only in those species which, though in other respects they would be named “aberrant,” could not be with propriety separated.

The upper parts of this bird are of a golden-green, which extends to the flanks and lower tail-coverts. The gorget or throat-patch is of a brilliant golden-yellow, reflected with green. It occupies the whole fore part of the neck, and upper part of the breast. The breast and belly, in a line with the insertion of the thighs, is deep bluish-black, following which, and between the tail-coverts, there is a band of white. The tail has the centre feathers green on the upper surface; the others rich pinkish-violet, with the tips and edges nearly black. The length is about four inches and a-half.

The female, which, though less brilliant, is no less chastely beautiful, is above of a golden-green; the whole under parts of a pleasing grey. The tail, which assumes the usual form, has the two centre feathers green, the others rich chestnut at the base, each feather having next a diagonal broad band of deep steel-blue, and at the extremity tipped with pure white; an assemblage of colour very marked, and contrasting with the otherwise unobtrusive plumage.

The young male has the gorget and lower parts greyish-white, with the black appearing in the centre of the belly. The tail is of the usual form, but has the base, except of the centre feathers, chestnut-brown, with a band of black shading into it, and is tipped with white. The young females are like the adults, except in having the tail of a uniform steel-blue, with white tips. The description of the three last are given upon the authority of Lesson. Porto Rico and the Antilles seem to be the most general stations whence this species is received.

We have one other bird to mention in this place, which, though certainly distinct from any of those now described, is yet known only in its young state. Lesson has figured it under the name of T. Prevostii, young, referring, in his Synonyms, to the T. hypophæus of Latham. It has the same assemblage of colours, and form of body, wings, and tail, but the bill is straight, and comparatively short. We give the description with the intention of calling attention to the species.

Brown-Crowned Humming-Bird

Trochilus hypophæus.—Latham.

The Brown-crowned Humming-Bird, Latham, General History, iv. p. 331.—Colibri de Prévost jeune, Trochilus Prevostii, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Colibris, pl. xxiv.

The length is from three to four inches. The head and space around the eyes is clear yellowish-brown. The upper parts are brownish-green; the lower grey, shading into white, where they join the green of the upper. The centre of the throat is marked with a longitudinal patch of deep-black. The under tail-coverts are green, tipped with white. The tail is rounded, and, except the centre feathers, is of a deep blackish-brown, and at the tips white. Lesson did not know whence the species he copied was brought. Those described by Dr Latham were received from Tobago.

In the four birds figured upon the next Plates, we see a very remarkable development of tail, in three instances confined chiefly to the lateral feathers, in the other, to those of the centre. The three first remind us strongly of the forms assumed in the Drongo Shrikes, and many of the Muscicapidæ.

The only other species whose tail takes a similar form is the

Racket-Tailed Humming-Bird

Trochilus platurus.—Latham.

Racket-Tailed Humming-Bird, Latham, General History, iv., p. 338.—Oiseau-mouche a raquettes, Lesson, Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouche, p. xl.

This bird at first-sight has nearly the resemblance of the last, but is at once distinguished from it by the unplumed tarsi. It is of a duller green above, and is of a uniform tint. The gorget is of the same bright emerald green, and occupies nearly a similar place, covering the whole of the fore part of the throat and neck. The belly is of a dull brown, tinged with green, and the vent and under-tail coverts are nearly pure white. The tail above, greenish brown, beneath of reddish or yellowish white. The feathers, excepting the two outer ones, are pointed, and assume a slightly forked form. The two on the outside exceed the others by about half their own length, and the shafts commence to be entirely bare where they exceed the length of the others, and are finished by a nearly round tip of black plume in the form of a racket-board.

The plumage of the female is not very well known. Guiana is the only country whence they have been received.

In this place we must mention another very beautiful species, figured and described by M. Lesson, possessing the same form, and in proportion, a development of tail nearly equal to it; it is the

Nuna Humming-Bird

Trochilus Nuna.—Lesson.

La Nouna-Koali, Ornismya Nuna, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, Supplement, pl. xxxv.

It is about five inches in length, of which the tail makes up three. The upper parts of the plumage are of a brilliant emerald-green, with golden reflections. The under parts are pure white; but each feather has at its tip a circular spot or eye, of a deep emerald-green, which forms a fine contrast. On the throat and breast, these are well and distinctly marked, but towards the vent they become less defined. The under coverts of the tail are bright chestnut. The tail itself has the feathers very broad, and they gradually increase in length like those of the bar-tailed species. The base of all the middle ones are brownish purple. The lower part of the exposed portion on the upper side is of a deep steel-blue, changing to a bright and beautiful green towards the tip. The outer feathers have the exposed parts of the tips deep steel-blue; but the lower half of the outer web is pure white. In another specimen, which M. Lesson supposes to be the young, the crown of the head is almost grey, and the long outer feathers of the tail want the white outer edge, and are entirely brown, and the under plumage was dashed with brownish red.

These specimens come from Peru.

The three preceding Plates will give an idea of the form of the birds composing this group, and of the resemblance of the females to those which M. Lesson separates. We shall give the description of the others which are known, some of which are very diminutive. The first we shall mention is

Guy’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus Guy.—Lesson.

Le Guy Trochilus Guy, Lesson, Trochilidées, Pl. xliv.

This species approaches nearer than the others to the Supercilious Humming-Bird, and seems even to have been confounded with it. It is considerably less, however, and the projecting feathers of the tail over-stretch it for a much less distance it is of the; same form with that of its near ally, above golden green at the base, then black, the lateral feathers fringed with white at their tips; the projecting narrow parts of the centre plumes also white. The bill is of considerable length, the under mandible bright orange red, brownish at the tip; the upper parts of the body are brilliant metallic green, the feathers on the crown bordered with reddish the auriculars are; black, surrounded, above by a streak of tawny yellow, and underneath by a line of the same colour the; chin is of a bright chestnut, in the form of a small gorget; the remaining under parts are of a rich bluish grey, changing to a yellowish red in the centre of the belly and on the vent the lower tail coverts are; pure white. Lesson, the only one who describes this bird, does not mention its native country.

Intermediate Humming-Bird

Trochilus intermedins.—Lesson.

Le Colibri intermediaire, Trochilus intermedius, Lesson, Trochilidées, Pl. xix.

This species is a native of Brazil. It is about three and a half inches in length. In Lesson’s representation, the under mandible of the bill is coloured pale pink at the base, then black, then pink and tipped with black; in the description it is mentioned of a yellow colour entirely, “l’inferieure jaunâtre.” The former is a curious distribution. The general colour of the plumage is a reddish brown belly, and vent, assuming a sienna colour; on the rump, above the eye is the pale yellow eye-stripe, beneath the auriculars, which are black, another; the centre feathers of the tail exceed the others only by about half an inch, and become gradually narrower from the base; the projecting part is pure white, the colour of the other parts black, the outer one bordered with reddish-brown.

Bourcier’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus Bourcierii.—Lesson.

This bird in general appearance also resembles the first we described, but is considerably less. The tail is very ample, and the centre feathers of considerable proportional length. The colour of the upper side is a greenish black, deeper towards the tip, where the outer web is marked with a chestnut spot; the long feathers are brown where they exceed the length of the tail, the tips white; underneath, whole has a brownish tint. The crown is of a reddish green, which is the prevailing tint over the upper parts, from each feather being fringed with reddish brown, somewhat in the manner of the Scaly-backed Species. The throat is white, the whole of the other under parts of a reddish grey, most vivid upon the sides of the neck; a slight tracing of the superciliary streak and that from the rictus is seen, but it is only visible when the position of the bird is varied. It is a native of Brazil, and Lesson thinks that it inhabits the mountainous districts of that vast country.

Brown Brazilian Humming-Bird

Trochilus squalidus.—Natterer.

Colibri terne, Trochilus squalidus, Temminck, Planches Coloriées, pl. 120.—Le Colibri & vestiture terne, Lesson, Histoire Naturelles des Colibris, pl. viii.

This species was discovered in Brazil by M. Natterer, and first figured by Temminck in the Planches Coloriées; in colouring and the distribution of it, it has every appearance of the supercilious Humming-Bird. Lesson goes so far as to say, that it is a degenerated local variety, with which we cannot agree. The size is scarcely one-half. The upper plumage is a dull brownish green.

The superciliary stripe is very conspicuous, of a reddish yellow, the auriculars beneath are deep brown, and another stripe from the rictus joins the uppermost, surrounding the eye and ear-feathers completely. The throat and breast are dull grey the feathers of the former are in the shape of scales, with dark centres. The belly and vent are of a tawny yellow. The tail is brown, each feather tipped with white, and the whole extending part of the centre ones of the same colour.

Longuemare’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus Longuemareus.—Lesson.

Le Colibri Longuemare, Lesson, Trochilidées, pls. ii. & lxii.

This species, says Lesson, has always been confounded with the next, but from which every character distinguishes it. We give this naturalist’s description, having no specimen of the bird.

It is about three inches eight lines in length; on the crown there is as it were a cowl of deep brown, tinged with red the back and sides of the neck are; of a brownish red, which is the prevailing colour of the whole upper parts, having upon the back metallic reflections of a green lustre; all the under parts are of a reddish yellow, deepest on the throat and breast; the lower tail-coverts are white. There is not so much variation in the length of the centre feathers of this species as in many, and it has more the appearance of a graduated or wedge-shaped tail. The exceeding tips of the centre feathers are, however, white, the other parts of them and the rest of the tail brown. This species is a native of Cayenne.

Red-Bellied Humming-Bird

Trochilus Rufigaster.—Lesson.

Colibri a ventre rousatre, Temminck, Planches Coloriées, pl. 120.—Le Colibri a ventre rouse, Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Colibris, pl. ix.

This curious little Humming-Bird is little more than three inches in length, of which the bill alone is one. The crown is of a greyish tint. The superciliary streak is pure white, and passes above to the end of the auriculars. The back of the neck and back, are of a chestnut-red, with golden-green reflections. The under parts are also of a chestnut-red, palest on the throat, and almost changing to yellowish-white on the chin. The tail is brown, tipped with a reddish white. The two centre feathers have golden-green reflections, and the surpassing tips are white. It is a native of Brazil.

David’s Humming-Bird

Trochilus Davidianus.—Lesson.

Le Colibri David, Lesson, Trochilidées, pl. xiii.

This species M. Lesson has dedicated to the celebrated French artist, David. It is of the same size with the last, and of a light graceful form. The general tint of the plumage is brown, deeply coloured above, and beneath of a paler shade, tinted with yellow. The auriculars are of the same deep colour with the upper parts, and form a patch on the cheek, surrounded on the under part with a brighter shade. The tail is regularly graduated, the centre feathers, though longer, not far surpassing the others. It inhabits Cayenne.

These are all the birds which Lesson includes in this form. The others do not possess any particular elongation of the centre tail feathers. The first we shall mention is the

Another species having considerable resemblance, is the

Mazeppa Humming-Bird

Trochilus Mazepp.—Lesson.

Le Colibri Mazeppa, Trochilus Mazeppa, Lesson, Trochilidées, pl. iii.

This bird is about five inches in length. The upper parts are of a much finer greyish-green than its congeners; on the head having the feathers rather of a scaly form, with brilliant reflections. The lower parts are of a clear reddish-brown, tinged with green on the flanks. The tail is very ample, and, except the centre feathers, which are green, is of a brilliant chestnut-red, barred with black at the tip. It is a native of Guiana. Lesson asks, “May this not be the female of a species of which the other sex has not been discovered,” and seems to have an idea somewhat similar regarding that of the Hairy-legged Humming-Bird. We have received the latter often marked “male” and “female,” without any difference except in the brilliancy of colouring.

Lesson has introduced another bird into this group, which, to judge from his representation, will rank elsewhere. tint. The tail is slightly forked, and of a dark tint. He names it Colibri simple, Trochilus simplex. It is a native of Brazil.

The last of the group is

Synopsis of the Trochilidæ⁴

Character of the Family. Bill longer than the head, straight or curved; the upper mandible slightly dilated at the base, the lower entering or sheathed within the upper, the points very sharp. Nostrils basal, lateral, the opening narrow, sometimes covered with the plumes of the forehead. Tongue extensible, long, tubular, divided at the tip, the os hyoides passing over the occiput (like that of the Woodpeckers). Wings long, rigid, the quills rounded at the tips, the first longest, the others gradually decreasing in length. Tail composed of ten feathers, length and form very varied. Tarsi small and slender, scutellated; toes three, nearly equal in length, the two internal connected at the base; hallux comparatively strongest, the nails compressed, much hooked, very sharp. Plumage with metallic lustre. Males usually adorned with a gorget of scaly-formed feathers, crest, ruffs, or ear-tufts. Native country Tropical America.⁵ Contains five Sub-Families.

I. Sub-Fam. Trochilus

Bill very straight. Tail moderate, equal or rounded.

1. T. superbus, Superb Humming-Bird.—Shaw, Gen. Zool. Temm. Pl. Color. 299. Oiseau-mouche Corinne, Less. O. M. ii. Crown of a rich blue; throat amethystine-red, surrounded with a line of pure white, gradually shading into pale grey which covers the under parts; upper parts golden-green; tail rounded, two outer feathers tipped with white. Inhabits the island of Trinite.
2. Pl. IX. Vol. I.—T. quadricolor, Azure-crowned Humming-Bird.—Vieill. Oiseau-mouche tête d’azur. Less. O. M. Supp. xvii. xviii. Crown brilliant azure-blue, upper parts golden-green, beneath pure white, yellowish upon the flanks; tail brownish-green. Inhabits Brazil.
3. Pl. XVII. Vol. II.—T. mesoleucus, White-striped Humming-Bird—Temm. Pl. Color. 317. Less. O. M. xxix. xxx. Plumage dull-green; gorget of rich amethystine-red stretching upon the sides of the neck; a central white line along the centre of the under parts. Female wants the gorget; that part is occupied by a patch of greyish-white, the base of each feather darker. Inhabits Brazil.
4. T. squamosus, Scaly-throated Humming-Bird—Temm. Pl. Color. 205. Oiseau-mouche ecaillé, Less. O. M. xx. Plumage bright-green; throat white, with the centre of each feather grey, whence a white line along the centre of the under parts. Inhabits Brazil.
5. Pl. XVIII. Vol. II.—T. Rivolii, Duke of Rivoli’s Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche Rivolii, Less. O. M. iv. Plumage of a very dark golden-green; the crown with a cowl of very rich blue, separated from the gorget by a dark line of the general tint of the body; gorget bright emerald-green, spreading upon the side of the neck; tail very ample, nearly square. Inhabits Mexico.
6. Pl. XXV. Vol. I.—T. Cora, the Cora Humming-Bird.—Orthorhynchus Cora, Less. Zool. de La Coq. xxxi. fig. 4. Above and on the flanks brilliant-green; gorget of amethystine-red, lower parts pure-white; tail very long, with the centre feathers much exceeding the others. Inhabits the elevated country between Callao and Lima.
7. Pl. XXI., XXII. Vol. I.—T. cornutus, Double-crested, Humming-Bird Neuw. Voy. au Brés. Trochilus bilophus, Temm. xviii. Ornismya chrysolopha, Less. O. M. vii. Back and shoulders golden-green; forehead and gorget, the latter finishing in a point, bright bluish-purple, inclining more to blue on the forehead, above the eyes two crests of brilliant golden-orange; under parts pure white; tail very long, feathers nearly equally graduated. Female wants the crest. Inhabits the exalted Campos-Geraes at the sources of the river Don Francisco.
8. T. auritus, Violet-eared Humming-Bird.—Vieill. Ois. Dor. 25. and 26. Violet-eared Humming-Bird, Lath. L’Oiseaux-mouche à oreilles d’azur. Less. O. M. x. and xi. Above brilliant green, beneath pure white/vent greenish; behind the ears a tuft of round violet-coloured feathers, somewhat elongated; a line from the rictus beneath the eyes black; tail wedge-shaped, the four centre feathers blackish-green, the others white. Female without the tufis, under parts tinged with grey. Inhabits Guiana and Brazil.
9. Pl. XIII. Vol. I., Pl. XV. Vol. II—T. petasophorus, Violet-tufted Humming-Bird.—Neuw. Temm. Pl. Color. cciii. fig. 3. Oiseaux-mouche petasophore, Less. O. M. xiii i. and lix. Plumage bright-green, palest on the vent; under tail-coverts pure white throat with, scaly-formed steel-blue feathers; elongated tuft behind the ears rich violet, changing from nearly orange-red to blue; tail even. Female brilliant emerald-green; vent and under tail-coverts white; a white stripe from the rictus below the eyes. Inhabits Brazil.
10. Pl. XIV. Vol. I.—T. scutatus, Natterer’s Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche écussonné, Temm. Pl. Col. ccxcix. fig. 3. Le Natterer, Less. O. M. xvi. and lxi. Above golden-green; front and gorget bright emerald-green; two ample tufts springing from below each eye of a deep indigo-blue, tipped with dull-yellow; breast and belly indigo-blue; flanks greenish; vent and under tail-coverts white; tail square. Inhabits Brazil.
11. Pl. X. Vol. I., Pl. VII. Vol. II.—T. Belalandii, Delalande’s Humming-Bird.—Vieill. Dict. d’Hist. Nat.—Temm. Pl. Col. xviii. Le Plumet bleu, Less. O. M. xxiii. xxiv. Above golden-green; behind the eye a white stripe; forehead and crown brilliant emerald-green, continued by a pointed crest of rich indigo-blue, the longest feather narrow and tipped with white under parts deep indigo-blue; vent and under tail-coverts grey. Female wants the crest; grey beneath tail banded with deep indigo-blue, tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.
12. Pl. VI. Vol. II.—T. Loddigesii, Loddiges’s Humming-Bird L’Oiseau-mouche Loddige, Less. Troch. li. Above golden-green, under parts pale grey, marked in the centre of the breast and belly with a velvety patch of deep black; crown and elongated crest entirely of a rich violet-blue; tail graduated, steel-blue, white at the tip. Inhabits Brazil. The two last form the genus Cephalepis of Loddige.
13. Pl. XII. Vol. I.—T. sephanoides, Violet-crowned Humming-Bird—Orthorhynchus sephanoides, Less. et Gam. Zool. de la Coq. xxxi. Above, golden-green underneath, yellowish-white, feathers spotted with grey; crown with a rounded crest, rich reddish violet. Inhabits Chili, Talcaguana.

14. Pl. V. Vol. II.—T. Stokesii, Stoke’s Humming-Bird.—King, Proceed. Zool. Soc. Lond. Le Stokes, Less. Troch. l. Back and rump brilliant emerald-green, feathers broad and scale-formed; under parts pure white, each plume with an emerald-green spot, surrounded by a darker shade; auriculars blackish-brown, spotted with violet; crest very ample, rounded, brilliant blue; tail broad, centre feathers green, others white on the inner webs. Inhabits the island of Juan Fernandez.

    T. sephanoides and Stokesii are closely allied to the two preceding.

15. T. cristatus, Crested Humming-Bird.—Edw. 37. Oiseau mouche Huppé, Less. O. M. xxxi. xxxii. Plumage golden-green; an elongated crest of emerald-green, with blue reflections. Female without the crest, beneath grey. Inhabits islands of Trinite and Martinique.

    Oiseau mouche à Huppe blue, Vieil. Ois. Dor., seems a variety; body entirely brown, crest deep blue.

16. Pl. XI. Vol. I.—T. moschitus, Ruby-crested Humming-Bird.—Edw. Lath. Le rubis topaz, Less. O. M. lii. liii. liv.? Above, belly and vent, of a dull golden-brown, in some specimens very deeply coloured; crown of a brilliant ruby red; gorget, occupying the whole breast, topaz-yellow; tail chestnut, tipped with black, very ample. Female without the crest and gorget. Inhabits West India Islands.

    Lesson figures the female green above, grey beneath, tail chestnut at the base, barred with green and white tips.

17. Pl. XV., XVI. Vol. I.—T. ornatus, The Tufted-necked Humming-Bird.—Le Huppé-col, Buff. 640. Tufted-necked Humming-Bird, Lath. Gen. Hist. xv iv. 318 348. Ornismya ornata. Less. O. M. xli. Upper parts, belly, and vent, golden-green; rump with a white band; front, and gorget occupying the whole of the throat and breast, emerald-green; crest of pointed feathers, chestnut-red; sides of the neck with long narrow feathers, chestnut-red, tipped with a round spot of emerald-green; tail chestnut-red, centre feathers green. Female wants the crest and neck tufts; gorget chestnut; tail chestnut, barred in the centre with green. Inhabits Cayenne, Guiana, Brazil.
18. Pl. XVII. Vol. I.—T. Audenetii, Audenet’s Humming-Bird—L’Oiseau-mouche Audenet, Less. Supp. ii. Above golden-green: rump with a dark band, relieved on each side with white; gorget occupying the throat, emerald-green; feathers of the breast, belly and vent greyish-brown at the base, yellowish-white at the top, neck with tufts; the feathers narrow, emerald-green, tipped with white. Inhabits Peru.
19. Pl. XVIII. Vol. I.—T. chalybeus, Vieillot’s Humming-Bird.—Temm. Pl. Col. lx lxvi. Oiseau-mouche Vieillot, Less. O. M. lxiv. Above golden-green; rump crossed by a yellowish band; front and gorget emerald-green; under parts white, dashed with green on the flanks; tail chestnut; neck with lengthened tufts, feathers narrow, emerald-green, each with a white spot at the end. Female is grey below, and wants the neck-tufts; tail of a brownish-purple, tipped with reddish-brown. Inhabits Brazil.
20. Pl. XII. Vol. II.—T. Gouldii, Gould’s Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche de Gould, Less. Troch. xxxvi. Upper parts golden-green; front, and gorget occupying the breast, brilliant emerald-green; crown with a crest of lengthened feathers, chestnut-red; belly and vent deep greenish-black; neck with lengthened tufts, feathers narrow, pure white, a round spot of brilliant green at the tip of each. Inhabits——.

21. Pl. XIX., XX. Vol. I.—T. magnificus, Magnificent Humming-Bird—Vieil. Dict. des. Scien. Nat.—Temm. Pl. Col. 299. fig. 2. La Hausse-col blanc. Less. O. M. xlii. xlii. Golden-green above, beneath of a duller shade of the same colour; front and gorget emerald-green; crown with a double chestnut crest of long pointed feathers, sides of the neck with tufts closing round the lower part of the gorget; the feathers broad and rounded, pure white, with a narrow black bar at the tip of each. Female without the crest or neck-tufts; gorget chestnut-red, lower part grey. Young entirely greyish-white below. Inhabits Brazil.

    The last five species form the genus Lophornis of Lesson, in which he also includes T. petasophorus and the Cephalepis of Loddiges.

22. Pl. IX XI. Vol. II.—T. rufus, Ruff-necked or Nootka Humming-Bird.—Gmel. Ruff-necked Humming-Bird, Lath. Selasphorus rufus, Nootka Humming-Bird, Swain. N. Zool. Above clear reddish-brown, with green reflections; crown bright emerald-green, the feathers scaly; shoulders of same colour; gorget, extending upon the neck in narrow points, brilliant fiery red; under parts white, reddish on the flanks; tail wedge-shaped. Inhabits California, and the northwest coast of America.

    This species is the type of Mr Swainson’s genus Selasphorus, in which he also includes the five preceding birds.

23. Pl. VI. Vol. I.—C. Anna, Duchess of Rivoli’s Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche Anna, Less. O. M. lxxiv. Crown and gorget rich amethystine-red, gorget spreading upon the sides of the neck; upper parts golden-green, under parts greyish white, shaded with pink; tail brown with metallic lustre, slightly forked. Inhabits California.

24. Pl. VIII. Vol. I.—T. prasina, Golden-green Humming-Bird.—T. viridissimus, Lath.? L’Orvert, Less. O. M. lxv. Entirely of a rich golden-green, brightest on the forehead and breast; tail blackish-blue. Inhabits Brazil.

    The varieties of Latham with white under parts, may probably be the young and females.

25. Pl. VII. Vol. I.—T.? cyaneus. Blue and green Humming-Bird. Vieill. Oiseau-mouche verazur, Less. lxi lxxi. Upper parts, tail and flanks green; the front, breast and belly blue; the gorget white, feathers dark at the base. Inhabits Brazil.
26. T. albiventris, White-bellied Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche a ventre blanc, Less. Troch. xxii. Above golden-green; throat and breast shaded off upon the flanks emerald-green; belly, vent, and lower tail-coverts, pure white; tail above brownish-green, beneath steel-blue, graduated. Inhabits——.
27. T. viridis.—Vieil. Ois. Dor. Oiseau-mouche à queue vert et blanche, Less, O. M. xl lx. Golden-green above; throat and breast brilliant yellowish-green, with a silvery lustre; tail wedge-shaped, green at the base, gradually shading into pure white. Inhabits the island of Trinite.

28. T. tephrocephalus?—Less. O. M. lx lxii. Crown grey; upper parts, throat, and breast, green; belly and vent greyish-white; tail blackish-green, the outer feathers tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.

    Described from Lesson apparently in immature plumage.

29. T. albicollis?—Less. O. M. lxiii. Entirely green, except a patch on the breast and vent white; tail steel-blue, all the feathers, except those in the centre, tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.

30. T. viridissima?—Vieill. Ois. Dor., 42. Less. O. M. Ixxv. Upper parts golden-green; throat and breast green mixed with white; belly and vent greyish. Inhabits Brazil.

    Numbers [28]. and [29]. are described from Lesson.

31. Pl. II. Vol. I.—T. avocetta, Avocet-billed Humming-Bird.—L’Oiseau-mouche avocette, Less. O. M. xxiv. Golden-green above; throat green, forming a gorget; belly dull black; a line of white along each side of the body; tail steel-blue, square. Inhabits Guiana.

32. Pl. III. Vol. I.—T. recurvirostris, Recurved-billed Humming-Bird.—Swain. Zool. Illust. 1st series, cv. Oiseau-mouche à bec recourbé, Less. O. M. xxxvii. Plumage brilliant green; the throat with a gorget of emerald green, occupying the breast; centre of the belly with a dark streak; tail chestnut. Young with the belly and vent white; bill serrated. Inhabits Guiana.

    We have placed these two birds last in the Sub-family Trochilus; from the curious form of the bill they will not answer any of the general characters. Lesson makes a separate race “Les avosettes” founded upon the turned up bill.

II. Sub-Fam. Cynanthus

Bill straight, or very slightly curved. Tail very long, forked.

1. Pl. V. Vol. I.—C. colubris, Northern Humming-Bird.—The Red-throated Humming-Bird, Edw. Humming-Bird, Wilson’s N. A. Ornith. Northern Humming-Bird, N. Zool. Above, brilliant green; beneath, white, greenish upon the flanks; throat with a ruby gorget, varying with the light to brilliant red. Inhabits N. America.
2. Pl. XIV. Vol. II.—C. lucifer, Blue-throated Humming-Bird.—Cynanthus lucifer, Swains. Ornismya cyanopogon, Less. Col. ix. Above brilliant green; beneath white; flanks dashed with yellowish; throat with a gorget of violet feathers, which can be raised and expanded at pleasure. Inhabits Mexico.
3. Pl. IX. Vol. II.—C. amethystinus, Amethystine Humming-Bird.—Linn., Lath. Ornismya amethystina, Less. Col. xlvii. Above golden-green; beneath greyish-white; throat with a violet gorget, succeeded on the breast with a pure white band; tail deeply forked. Inhabits Guiana.

4. C. amethystoides, Little Amethystine Humming-Bird.—Le petit Amethyste, Ornismya amethystoides, Less. Col. Troch. xxv., xxvi., xxvii. Length only 2\(\frac{1}{2}\) inches; upper parts golden-green; under parts greyish; gorget amethystine-red, succeeded by a collar of grey. Inhabits——.

   Distinguished from the last by its less size and the colour of the gorget. In the female and young of both the tail is rounded.

5. Pl. VIII. Vol. II.—C? orthura, Even-tailed Amethystine Humming-Bird—L’Amethystoide à queue égale. Less. Troch. xxviii & xxix. Above, golden-green; throat and breast with an amethystine gorget, succeeded by a band of white; lower parts cinnamon-red; tail equal, golden-green, black at the tips, except the two outside feathers, which are tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.

   We have placed this provisionally in Cynanthus; the bird seems only well known in its young state, when the tail is square. It is introduced upon the authority of Lesson.

6. Pl. XXIX. Vol. I.—C. leucotis, White-eared Humming-Bird.—Trochilus leucotis, Vieill. Oiseau-mouche Arsenne, Less. O. M. ix. Front, cheeks and throat azure-blue; crown brown, shading into golden-green on the upper parts; a very marked white streak from the eye above the auriculars; gorget bright emerald-green; belly and vent greyish-green; under tail-coverts pure white. Inhabits Brazil.
7. Pl. XXIV. Vol. I.—C. vesper, The Evening Humming-Bird..—Oiseau-mouche vesper, Ornismya vesper, Less. Col. xix., vi. Golden-green above, beneath white; gorget rich violet. Inhabits Chili.

8. Pl. XIII. Vol. II.—C? tricolor, Tri-coloured Humming-Bird.—Le Tricolore, Less. Troch. pl. xiv lx. Above golden-green; throat with a gorget of bright carmine; feathers rounded and capable of expanding under parts pure white, greenish upon the flanks tail slightly graduated, centre feathers golden green, others steel-blue, margined with chestnut. Inhabits Mexico.

   Swainson appears to make the form of the tail a principal character in his division Cynanthus. We have introduced T. tricolor, therefore, with a mark of doubt, from the difference in form. In other respects it is closely allied.

9. C. platurus, Racket-tailed Humming-Bird.—Lath. Gen. Hist. iv. p. 388 338. Oiseau-mouche a raquettes. Less. Col. xxxi. Above dull green; gorget and breast bright emerald-green; tips of the prolonged feathers nearly round; tarsi unplumed. Inhabits Guiana.

10. Pl. XXII. Vol. II.—C. Underwoodii, Rough-legged Racket-tailed Humming-Bird.—Less. Troch. xxxii xxxvii. Above dull green, a white band across the rump; gorget and breast bright emerald-green; tips of the prolonged feathers oblong: tarsi thickly plumed with hair-like feathers. Inhabits——.

    The two last forms Lesson’s genus Platurus.

10. Pl. XXVII. Vol. I.—C. enicurus, Half-tailed Humming-Bird.—Vieill. Nouv. Dict. d. Hist. Nat. Oiseau-mouche à queue singulière, Temm.—Less. O. M. xv. Above bright green; gorget violet, succeeded by bands of white and yellow; belly and vent green tail of six feathers. Inhabits Brazil, Island of Trinite.
11. Pl. XXVI. Vol. I.—C. Dupontii, Dupont’s Humming-Bird.—L’Oiseau-mouche Zemes, Ornismya Dupontii, Less. Supp. pl. i. Above golden-green, the gorget rich blue with violet reflections, succeeded by a band of white, whence the under parts are grey; tail deeply forked, the outer feathers narrowing and again expanding at the tips, as in C. platurus, but never leaving the shaft bare; all are tipped with pure white. Inhabits Mexico.
12. C. Conivettii, Conivet’s Humming-Bird.—L’Oiseau-mouche parvule, Ornismya Conivetii, Less. Supp. xxxvii—Above golden-green, beneath dark emerald-green; tail deeply forked; feathers broad, brownish-black, tipped with grey; base of the upper mandible orange-yellow. Inhabits Brazil.
13. Pl. XXI. Vol. II.—C. polytmus, Black-Capped Humming-Bird—Edw., Lath. Ornismya cephalatra, Less. Col. xvii. Crown black, the feathers loose and lengthened; upper parts, belly, and vent, rich golden-green; gorget, covering the whole of the throat and fore part of the neck, bright emerald-green; outer tail-feathers much lengthened. Female with the under parts white; wants the long feathers of the tail. Inhabits Guiana and Jamaica.
14. C? jugularis, Red-breasted Humming-Bird.—T. jugularis, Linn. Red-breasted Humming-Bird, Edw. Above and below of a deep velvetty black, with violet reflections; gorget extending upon the breast carmine; tail steel-blue, rounded. Inhabits Guiana.
15. Pl. X. Vol. II.—C. Langsdorffii, Langsdorff’s Humming-Bird Temm. Pl. Col. 66. Le Langsdorff, Less. Col. xvi. and xxvi. Above bright green, crossed by a narrow white band on the rump; gorget bright green, succeeded by bands of yellow and reddish-orange; vent and six centre tail-feathers deep blue; tail deeply forked, exterior feathers acuminated. Inhabits Brazil.

16. C. Keinerii, Keiner’s Humming-Bird. Less. Troch. lxv. Above golden green; throat, neck, and breast, pure white, the two latter with round emerald-green spots; belly and vent blackish-grey, under tail-coverts chestnut; tail lengthened, slightly forked, brownish-grey, darker at the end, outer feathers tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.

    Known only from the figure of Lesson, which was taken from a female in possession of M. Prevost. of Paris. The tail of the male most probably is deeply forked.

17. Pl. XXIII. Vol. II.—C. sparganurus, Bar-tailed Humming-Bird.—Shaw’s Gen. Zool. viii. p. 291. Ornismya sapho, Less. O. M. xxvii. xxviii. Above golden-green; gorget covers the throat, breast, and belly; tail with the plumes very broad, deeply forked, golden reddish-orange, each feather tipped with black, giving a barred appearance when the tail is closed. Female, above brownish, beneath grey; tail ample, forked, but half the length of that of the male, brownish-red; outer web of outside feathers yellowish-white. Inhabits interior of Brazil.
18. C. Nuna, The Nuna Humming-Bird—La Nouna-Kaoli, Less. Col. xxxv. Above, bright golden green; beneath white, plumes with a round spot of emerald-green at the tip of each; tail deeply forked, feathers broad, steel-blue at the base, green at the tips, outer edged with white. Inhabits Peru.
19. C. rubineus, Ruby-throated Humming-Bird.—Linn., Lath. Oiseau mouche rubis, Less. Col. O. M. xliv., xlv. and xlvi. Plumage of a deep uniform golden-green, brighter on the breast; gorget of a rich ruby tint, with golden reflections; tail cinnamon-red, with a narrow black bar at the tip, very slightly forked. Female reddish-grey beneath, a white spot behind the eye. Young nearly similar. Inhabits Brazils.
20. Pl. XXVIII. Vol. I.—T. saphurinus, Sapphire-throated Humming-Bird.—Lath. iv. 326 327. Oiseau-mouche Sapphire, Less. Orn. lv. lvi. lviii. Plumage above the belly and vent green; throat chestnut; neck and forepart of the breast rich saphire-blue; under tail-coverts and tail chestnut-red. Female wanting the chestnut on the throat, and having the blue reaching entirely over the neck; belly and vent white; tail brownish. Inhabits Guiana, Brazil, the Island of Berbice.
21. Pl. XVI. Vol. II.—C. Waglerii, Wagler’s Humming-Bird.—Le Wagler, Less. Col. lxxiii. Plumage entirely of a deep emerald-green, having very brilliant blue reflections. Wings tinged with blue; tail slightly forked. Inhabits Brazil.
22. C. bicolor, Saphire and Emerald Humming-Bird.—Lath. Gen. Hist. iv. 329. Crown and back of the neck deep greenish-brown; back and remaining upper parts, sides, belly, and vent, rich green; throat and neck shading into the green of the breast, brilliant blue; tail steel-blue. Female has the under parts pure white. Inhabits French Guiana, Guadaloupe.
23. C? cœruleus, Audebert’s Humming-Bird.—T. cœruleus, Ois. dor. iv. Oiseau-mouche Audebert, Less. O. M. iv li. Golden green above; throat blue; neck and under parts emerald-green; vent white tail steel-blue, square. Inhabits Guiana.
24. C. glaucopis, Blue-fronted Humming-Bird.—Gmel. Trochilus frontalis, Lath. iv. p. 352. Oiseau-mouche glaucope, Less. Col. lviii. lix. Forehead and crown deep blue with violet reflections. Above dull green, in some specimens blackish-green; gorget running upon the breast and upper part of the belly, rich emerald-green; vent greyish-white. Female without the blue on the head; lower parts grey. Inhabits Brazil.
25. Pl. XXIII. Vol. I.—C. furcatus, Violet Fork-tailed Humming-Bird.—L’Oiseau-mouche a queue fourchue, Buff. Trochilus furcatus, Gmel. Less. xviii. Plumage of a deep violet-black, with lighter reflections; gorget, reaching to the upper part of the breast, bright emerald-green; tail ample, deeply forked. Inhabits Brazil, Guiana, Jamaica.
26. C. erythronotus, Crimson-Rumped Humming-Bird.—L’Erythronote, Less. Col. xi lxi. Head, breast, and belly, bright emerald-green; lower part of the back, rump and upper tail-coverts, crimson-red; tail forked, of an indigo-blue on both sides. Inhabits Brazil.
27. C. Maugerii, The Ourissa.—Trochilus Maugerii, Vieill. Oiseau-mouche Mauge, Less. O. M. lxvii lxviii. lxix; Deep blackish-green above, the reflections brilliant forehead and throat emerald-green; breast banded with rich blue: vent greyish; tail deeply forked, steel-blue. Female of duller plumage; lower parts grey tail nearly square, centre feathers green, tipped with white, others nearly brown. Inhabits Porto Rico.
28. C. cyanogenys, Neuwied’s Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche Wied, Less. O. M. Supp. xxvi. Above golden-green; chin blue; breast and belly emerald-green; vent white; tail square, deep and bright steel-blue. Inhabits Brazil.

29. C. Atala, The Atala—L’Atala, Less. Troch. xlii. Plumage of the head and body clear emerald-green, the vent and under tail-coverts white; tail square, of a deep and bright steel-blue. Inhabits Brazil.

    The two last are very closely allied, the distinctions will be seen in the characters given to the lower parts; they vary from the character in the square form of the tail.

30. Pl. I., II. Vol. II.—C. thalassinus, Blue-bellied Saw-billed Humming-Bird.—T. thalassinus, Phil. Mag. L’Anais, Less. Troch. lv. lvi. lvii.; Sup. iii. General colour emerald-green, with golden and steel-blue reflections; gorget extends upon the side of the neck; in tufts; tail rounded, with a deep steel-blue band; bill serrated. Inhabits the table land of Mexico.

    Placed by Lesson in Ramphodon; but with which we do not consider it allied.

31. Pl. III. Vol. II.—C. gigas, Gigantic Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche Geant, Vièill. Gall. pl. 180.—O. mouche Patagon, Less. O. M. iii. Above brownish-green; under parts light red, shaded with green on the flanks; tail very ample, forked. Inhabits Chili.

    The largest species known, it has the dull colouring of Phæthornis.

32. C. leucogaster.—Ornismya albiventris, Less. Col. lxxiii. Above, golden-green; throat and breast white, the latter shaded into pale green; forehead and cheeks of a deeper shade than the upper parts; tail brown, very slightly forked. Inhabits Guiana.
33. C. arsinoe, Arsinoë Humming-Bird.—L’Arsinal, Less. O. M. Supp. xxviii. Above golden-green; front and under parts emerald-green; secondaries and wings bright reddish-chestnut; tail purplish-brown, very slightly forked. Inhabits Mexico.
34. C. œnone, Œnone Humming-Bird.—L’Œnone, Less. O. M. Supp. xxx. Head, neck, and throat rich blue back, breast, belly and shoulders golden-green; rump and tail brilliant orange; tail considerably forked. Inhabits Trinité.

35. C.? macrourus, Swallow-tailed Humming-Bird.—Trochilus macrourus, Gmel. F. forficatus, Lath. Ornismya hirundinacea, Less. Plumage of a bluish-black, with steel-blue reflections; tail indigo-blue, very deeply forked; shafts of the quills broad, as in Campylopterus.

    Placed by Lesson in a division named “Campylopteres Hirundelies.”

III. Sub-Fam. Phæthornis

Bill elongated, arched. Tail lengthened, graduated, or cuneated.

1. Pls. XXVI. & XXVII. Vol. II.—P. superciliosus, Supercilious Humming-Bird.—Lath. Le Brin blanc. Buff. Le Colibri brin blanc, Less. Col. vi. and vii. Above, of a bronzed green gold; a reddish-white line above, another beneath the eye; lower parts brownish-white; tail brown, beneath tipped with white. Female with a white stripe beneath the eye; tail chestnut, barred with black, tipped with white, the centre feather only green. Inhabits Guiana, Brazil.
2. Pl. XXVIII. Vol. II.—P. Eurynomus, Scaly Backed Humming-Bird.—Le Colibri Eurynome, Less. Col. Troch. xxxi. Feathers of the back golden-green, fringed with reddish; of the head deep green edged with rufous; of the throat brown, edged with yellowish-white; lower parts grey; tail black at the base, tips white, centre feathers green for the length of the others. Inhabits Brazil.
3. P. Guy, Guy’s Humming-Bird.—Le Guy, Less. Troch. xliv. Above brilliant green; beneath grey, with the throat, vent and stripe through the eye and under the auriculars ochreous-yellow; under mandible reddish-orange. Inhabits——.
4. P. intermedius, Intermediate Humming-Bird.—Le Colibri intermediate, Less. Troch. xix. Head, neck, vent, wings, and tail, brown; rump, belly, and vent, reddish-orange; auriculars black, with a rufous stripe above and below; centre tail-feathers surpass the tip about half an inch. Inhabits Brazil.
5. P. Bourcierii, Bourcier’s Humming-Bird.—Le Colibri faux brins blancs, Less. xviii. Tint of the upper parts reddish-green, each feather being fringed with rufous: throat white, remaining under parts reddish-white; tail blackish-green, tips of the outer feathers reddish, centre feathers extend two inches, white for half an inch at the tip. Inhabits Brazil.
6. P. squalidus. Brown Brazilian Humming-Bird.—Colibri terne, Temm. Pl. Col. cxx. Colibri à vestiture ternè, Less. Troch. iiii. Above golden-green; beneath grey; stripe above and below the eye very conspicuous; tail deep brown, each feather tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.
7. P. longuemareus, Longuemare’s Humming-Bird.—Le Colibri Longuemare, Less. Troch. ii. and lxii. Crown deep brown; back and sides of the neck brownish-red, tinged with green; below reddish-yellow tail brown, centre feathers tipped with white, and almost regularly graduated. Inhabits Cayenne.
8. Pl. IV. Vol. I.—P. rufigaster, Red-bellied Humming-Bird.—Colibri a ventre rousatre, Temm. Pl. Col. cxx.; Less. Troch. ix. Crown grey, superciliary streak pure white; upper parts chestnut-red; lower parts of a paler shade of the same colour, nearly white at the chin; tail brown, tipped with reddish-white. Inhabits Brazil.

9. P. Davidianus, David’s Humming-Bird.—Le Colibri David, Less. Troch. xiii. Deep brown above; beneath of a paler shade; auriculars form a dark patch on the cheek; centre tail-feathers not far surpassing the others; form more slender than the last. Inhabits Cayenne.

   In the following birds, the tail is regularly graduated, as in the female of the preceding species. No. 7. may naturally lead to T. hirsutus, &c. by its lengthened but nearly graduated from.

10. Pl. XXIX. Vol. II.—P. hirsutus, Hairy-legged Humming-Bird.—Trochilus hirsutus, Linn. Golden-green above, beneath bright chestnut-red; tail chestnut-red. barred with black at the end, and tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.
11. P. Mazeppa, Mazeppa Humming-Bird.—Colibri Mazeppa, Less. Troch. iii. Above golden-green, beneath pale chestnut; tail uniform chestnut, barred with black at the tip, centre feathers golden-green. Inhabits French Guiana.
12. Pl. XXX. Vol. II.—P. Swainsonii, Swainson’s Humming-Bird. Colibri Swainson, Less. Troch. lxvi. Golden-green above; beneath, chestnut-red; tail even, chestnut, barred with black and tipped with white. Inhabits Brazil.
13. P. leucurus, White-tailed Humming-Bird.—Lath. Trochilus leucurus. Less. O. M. xx xxii. Above golden-green; throat with a patch of chestnut; breast golden-green; belly and vent grey; tail white, except the centre feathers which are green. Inhabits Dutch Guiana, Surinam.

14. P.? simplex.—Colibri simple, Less. Col. xxiii. Golden-green above, beneath chestnut; the throat indistinctly in the form of a gorget, purplish; vent white; tail nearly equal, but rather hollowed in the centre, black, outer feathers tipped with white.

    This seems to be a bird in immature plumage, and more allied to Cynanthus. Trochilus multicolor, we have every reason to think, is a made-up specimen, but would stand here.

15. P.? chrysurus, Yellow-tailed Humming-Bird.—Oiseau-mouche chrysure, Ornismya chrysura, Less. O. M. supp. iv. Uniform golden-green; tail reddish-yellow, deeper at the tip, rounded. Inhabits Brazil.

16. P.? amazili.—Orthorhynchus amazili, Less. Zool. de la Coq. xxxi. Crown, throat and breast, emerald-green; upper parts golden-green; vent reddish-yellow; tail bright chestnut, nearly square. Inhabits Peru.

    The last bird is described as new in Lesson’s Zoologie de la Coquile, and, with the preceding one, is introduced here in doubt. They shew a strong alliance to both this form and Cynanthus.

17. Pl. I. Vol. I.—P. nævius, Spotted Saw-billed Humming-Bird.—Colibri tacheté, Temm. Ramphodon maculatum, Less. O. M. i. Above golden green, a white stripe over each eye; auriculars chestnut; throat, breast, and belly, grey, spotted longitudinally with brown; central feathers brownish-green, tipped with pale chestnut, the pale tips occupying more of the feathers towards the outside; bill straight, serrated. Inhabits mountains of Corevado, in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro.

    This forms the genus Ramphodon of Lesson, including T. petosophorus and anais,—Heliortryx of Boié.

IV. Sub-Fam. Campylopterus

Bill rather long and slightly curved. Wings falcated, the shafts or scapes of the primary quills dilated and compressed. Tail rounded, or graduated.

1. Pl. XXXIV. Vol. I.—C. latipennis, The Blue-throated Humming-Bird Trochilus latipennis, Lath. Swains. Zool. Illust. Oiseau-mouche latipenne, Ornismya latipennis, Less. Troch. 46 xxxv. Body golden-green gorget brilliant blue; tail with the four outside feathers half white. Female, beneath grey, without the gorget. Inhabits Guiana, Tobago.
2. C. pampa, The Pampa Sabre-wing.—Campylopterus pampa, Less. Supp. xv. Crown in a line above the eye azure-blue; upper part of the body green, under parts pale grey; tail wedge-shaped, green, outer feathers, dark at the tips. Inhabits Paraguay.
3. C. falcatus, Blue-bellied Sabre-wing.—Sickle-winged Humming-Bird, Swain. Zool. Illust. Oiseau-mouche à remiges en faucilles, Less. O. M. xxxvi. Upper parts, flanks and vent golden-green; throat, breast and belly deep-blue; tail even, chestnut-red, tips black. Inhabits Brazil.

4. C. cirrochloris, Grey-and-green Sabre-wing.—Trochilus cirrochloris, Vieill. Dict. des Scien. Nat. Oiseau-mouche modeste, Ornismya simplex, Less. O. M. xxxiii. Above, of a dull green, tinged with brown; beneath, grey, whitish on the vent. Inhabits Santa-Paulo, Brazil.

   Allied to the female of C. latipennis. Perhaps a female, the male of which is unknown.

5. C.? Clementinæ.—Oiseau-mouche Clemence, Less. O. M. Supp. xxx viii. Above brownish-green, clearest on the centre of the back; lower parts of a paler tint; a white streak behind the eye; throat occupied by a deep blue gorget; tail black, two outside feathers tipped with white. Inhabits Mexico.

   The quills of this bird are very strong, without being broach like the true Campylopterus.

V. Sub-Fam. Lampornis

Bill arched. Tail short, nearly even, (rounded, or slightly forked).

1. Pl. XX. Vol. II.—L. mango, The Mango Humming Bird.—Trochilus mango, Linn. Lath. Less. xiii, xiv. Above, golden-green; beneath, with a ventral stripe of deep black, changing to brilliant blue on the sides vent with a white band; tail purple-brown, with green reflections. Young, white beneath, with the ventral stripe dull black. Inhabits Jamaica, Tobago,
2. Pl. XXXII., XXXIII. Vol. I.—L. gramineus, Black-breasted Humming-Bird—Colibri du Mexique, Buff. Black-breasted Humming-Bird, Lath. Le Haïtien, Less. Col. xii. Above, golden-green; throat with an emerald-green gorget; centre of the breast and belly black; vent with a white band; tail purple-brown, with green reflections. Young, with the under parts white, from the throat dull black, tail tipped with white. Inhabits Guiana, St Domingo.
3. L. viridis.—Colibri cyanure. Trochilus viridis, Less. Col. xi. Plumage of the body uniform dull emerald-green; tail deep steel-blue. Inhabits Porto-Rico.
4. L. aurulentus, The Aurulent Humming-Bird. Trochilus aurulentus, Less. Col. xvi. xvii. xviii. xix. Aurulent Humming-Bird, Lath. Above, golden-green; throat with a gorget, topaz-yellow; belly deep black; vent with a white band; tail brownish-purple, with green reflections, in form rather forked. Female and young beneath grey; no gorget, tail rounded, outer feathers tipped with white. Inhabits Porto Rico.
5. L. holosericeus, Green Black-bellied Humming-Bird.—Trochilus holosericeus, Lath. Green Black-bellied Humming-Bird, Edw. xxxvi. Le Caraibe, Less. Col. xx. Above, golden-green; gorget emerald-green breast with a blue transverse band; belly deep brownish-black; tail steel-blue. Inhabits St Thomas, and Porto Rico.
6. Pl. XXIV., XXV. Vol. II.—L. pella, Topaz-throated Humming-Bird. Linn., Shaw, Lath. Le Colibri topaz, Less. Col. i ii. iii. iv. v. Plumage rich brownish-orange, varied with lake-coloured reflections; gorget emerald green, varying to topaz-yellow, surrounded by a shade of black; tail chestnut. Female bright green, the gorget brown. Inhabits Guiana.
7. Pl. XXX. Vol. I.—L. meluvorus, White-collared Humming-Bird. Edw. xxxv. Lath. Le Jacobine, Buff. Less. O. M. xxi. xxii. Head, throat, and gorget deep brilliant blue; the under parts, and a collar round the back, pure white; upper parts and sides green; tail pure white, with a narrow band of white at the tip. Female, above green, beneath greyish-white, the centre of each feather darkest; tail green at the base, the outer feathers barred with blue and tipped with white. Inhabits Surinam and many of the West Indian islands.
8. L. niger, Black Humming-Bird.—Swainson. T. lugubris, Le demi-deuil. Less. O. M. xxxviii. xxxix. Plumage deep black, tinged with blue on the head, and green on the back and shoulders; vent and tail white, the latter barred at the tip with black. Female, with a brown tinge pervading the plumage; tail black, with the outer web of the outer feather only white. Inhabits Brazil.

9. L. Swainsonii, Swainson’s Humming-Bird—Le Swainson, Less. O. M. lxx. Above, belly and under tail-coverts, golden-green; throat and breast emerald-green, centre of the breast and upper part of the belly with a deep black patch; tail forked, bluish-black, tinged with green above. Inhabits Brazil.

   Described from Lesson’s plate and description.

10. Pl. XIX. Vol. II.—L. Buffonii, Buffon’s Humming-Bird—Le Colibri Buffon, Less. Troch. v. Golden-green, the plumage tinted with reddish on the cheeks and rump; feathers on the head and breast scaly-formed; under tail-coverts white, tail of a uniform steel-blue, slightly forked.

    Lesson arranges this bird with T. superciliosus. The form of the tail is, however, very different, and the plumage much nearer the division of Lampornis, which contains T. niger, &c.

11. Pl. IV. Vol. II.—L. cœligena, The Purple Humming-Bird—La Cœligene, Less. Troch. liii. Above, purple, with green and violet reflections; beneath, grey, the feathers of the throat and neck with a dark centre. The tail ample, slightly forked. Inhabits Mexico.

    These form Lesson’s Race Les Caraibes,—the genus Anthracothorax, Boié.