BIRDS OF CUBA 97 



high tree near the Hacienda Jiqui on Cochinos Bay. It was no easy task 

 to shoot and find so tiny a bird, but we succeeded, and by walking about, 

 ever peering up at high dead twigs, we finally secured a series. The adult 

 males in full breeding plumage evidently prefer the forest, while the others 

 at times invade more open regions. It was not always easy to tell a Hummer 

 from a large insect, so high were the perches which they chose. Moreover, 

 they were singularly lethargic, often sitting, singing from time to time, 

 for long periods at noon. At other times we did not see them. 



As is well known, this is one of the smallest Hummingbirds in the 

 world, and one of the most brilliant. It cannot be confused with the other 

 resident species nor with our migrant. 



174. Ricordia ricordii ricordii (Gervais). 



An excessively common and very fine Hummer. One of the few birds 

 peculiar to Cuba which the casual observer, with but a few days at his 

 disposal, is sure to see. They occur wherever there are flowers, in parks, 

 gardens and in the wild, open country. No more pugnacious bird is 

 imaginable. They hector the little Owls and other Hummers, and will even 

 streak off after a Buzzard if one blunders too near their nest. The type of 

 nest is very like that of our common Ruby-throat, and eggs may be found 

 in any month. Many more males are seen than females, and the sexes 

 associate but little. The story of Gundlach's famous little companion is 

 familiar to many. She lost her nest in a hurricane, and by chance concluded 

 to rebuild on the chandelier of Gundlach's study in Bemba. She raised 

 four broods in this same nest, but never once was her mate seen. The same 

 observer adds that the male does not get full plumage until the third year. 

 The male bird is brilliant green and blue, with a conspicuously forked 

 tail; in the field the female is easily confused with the female Ruby-throat. 



175. Tyrannus curvirostris curvirostris (Hermann). 

 Gray Kingbird; Pitirre. 



A Kingbird which is well named Pitirre from its call. Abundant every- 

 where, it apparently arrives in pairs which proceed to choose a nesting site 

 at once. It comes earlier to Oriente than to the western Provinces, according 

 to Gundlach, and it leaves in September. Before migrating they flock, 



