374 



ZOOLOGY BIRDS. 



of their tiny wings was almost incessant, as they darted to and fro, hurry- 

 ing from flower to flower, and plunging into each their long bill, sipping 

 the nectar, or relieving each of the minute insects which infested them. 



The combats between the males were many, and inevitable. Whenever 

 two chanced across each other's path, they closed together instantly with sharp 

 angry notes, and strike at each other with all the force of their little bodies, 

 seemingly bent on warring to the death. Indeed, were their strength and 

 ability to injure commensurate with the anger and animosity which they 

 display, little hope would there be for either contestant in these rough tilts. 

 As it is, little damage is done ; though I have seen two males, like 

 wrestlers, fall to the ground in each other's embrace, in a moment the 

 worsted one would be up, and seek safety in flight, while the victor would 

 repair to the nearest perch to arrange his disordered plumes. 



A nest of this hummer was secured by Dr. W. J. Hoffman at Big Pine, 

 Cal., where many of the birds were present. The nest was placed on a 

 small twig of cottonwood, which waved a short distance above the surface 

 of a brawling mountain stream. 



