82 



SYNOPSIS OP THE HUMMING-BIRDS. 



of the metallic spot induce me to legaid it as probably a distinct species. Total 

 length, 3| in. Wing, 1| in. Tail, li in. Culmen, IJ^ in. 



5. Hemistephania veraguensis. 



Dorifera veraguensis, Salv., P. Z. S. (1867), p. 154. 



Doryfera veraguensis, Mui.s., Hist. Nat. Ois. Mouch., torn, i, p. 199. 



Hah. Veragua. 



Adult. Forehead metallic-green, darker than that of ludovtcice ; nape coppery- 

 red; back sliining grass-green, upper tail coverts pale blue. Under parts very dark 

 green, almost black. Under tail co\erts dark gray with blue reflections. Tail 

 black tipped with gray. Wings purplish-brown. Bill and feet black. Total length, 

 4| in. Wing, 2^ in. Tail, 1^ in. Culmen, 1^ in. 



This bird, which appears to represent a distinct species, can be recognized from 

 huloviciai by the darker green of the forehead, and the general dark, almost 

 greenish-black hue of the plumage of the body. 



The genus Heliomaster, in which the next group of birds has generally been 

 placed, was instituted by Bonaparte solely for the T. furclfer, Shaw. As that species 

 possesses generic character of quite sufficient importance to entitle it to a separate 

 rank, it has been found necessary to seek another term for the four following 

 species, as the only other one besides Heliomaster,. which has been given them — 

 Selasopherus, Reich. — is almost identical with Selasphorus, Swain., already employed 

 for a genus of this Family. I, therefore, propose the generic name of Floricola. 

 These birds are of moderate size, the bills straight, plumage bronzy-green above, 

 Avith a luminous throat-mark, more or less extensive, and a metallic crown on some 

 of the species. By means of the two succeeding genera, a pretty well connected 

 line is formed to the genus Heliotryi'HA. 



Genus XXXIX. -FLORICOLA. 



Troch ilus, Swai.ns. (ncc Linn., 17G6), Zool. Jouni. (1827), p. 357. 

 Trochilus, Boif. (iinc Linn., 1766), Isis (1831), p. 547. 

 Heliomastes(l), Hon., Rev. and Mag. Zool. (1854), p. 251. 

 Sclasopherus , Reich., Troch. Enum. (1855), p. 11. 



Ch. Bill longer than half the body, straight, 

 mandible hooked at the tip ; maxilla denuded of 

 feathers at base, which is broad ; nostrils exposed. 

 Wings rather long. Tail slightly rounded. Sexes 

 dissimilar. 



Range. Mexico, Central America, Guiana, Vene- 

 zuela, Columbia, and Ecuador. 



Type. 

 T. longirostris, Vieill. 

 T. longirostris, Vieill. 



T. longirostris, Vieill. 



Fig. 39. 



Tloricola longirostris. S • Trinidad. Gould. 



