THE TOl'AZ-THROATKD HU.M>riNG BIKD. 



Such is a representation of the male and female of one kind of those beautiful birds. 

 The nest is usually attached to the upper side of some horizontal branch ; but sometimes 

 the branch is inclined, as in the present instance. The nest is about an inch in diameter, 

 and as inuch in depth, and is fonncd externallj' of a species of gray lichen, the portions 

 of which are said to be giued together by the saliva of the bird. "W'ithin this outer coat 

 is a padding of the cotton or down of plants, smoothly arranged, and lined with a yet 

 finer layer of silky fibres ; the eggs are two, and of a transparent fineness. The young 

 ones take their food by inserting their bills into the mouths of the parent birds. 



This is a large species, and, without exception, one of the most splendid of the whole 

 race. In ever}' part the plumage is composed of the scaly formed feathers, whicli are 

 always present where a metallic lustre prevails ; and in every position its brilliant colours 

 receive a variation of tint differing from that last seen, and superior in splendour to 

 anything with which we could compare it. 



The length of this bird, not including the long centre tail-feathers, is five inches and 

 a half, these exceed the others by nearly three inches ; the colouis of the Ashole plumage 

 of the body may be said to be of a rich bro\\-nish-orange, in some lights appeai-ing of the 



• Tiocliilus PclUi.— I-iiin. 



