330 ZOOLOGY. 



approached, or even touched, without showing signs of alarm. The male 

 only of this humming bird has the brilliant gorget on the throat. 



Several other species have been observed as far north as California, of 

 which w^e may mention the Anna humming bird (T, anna) and the rufous 

 humming bird (T. rufus). 



The latter is supposed to proceed on the western side of North America 

 nearly to the region of perpetual ice. It is abundant on the Columbia river, 

 and was observed by the celebrated naturalist Nuttall, engaged in the 

 duties of incubation, in the latter part of May. " The female was sitting 

 upon two eggs of the same shape and color as those of the common species. 

 The nest was also similar, but somewhat deeper, made of the same downy 

 substances, and coated with lichens. At my approach the female came 

 hovering round the nest ; and soon after, when all was still, she contentedly 

 resumed her place." 



There are from one hundred and fifty to two hundred species of humming 

 birds in this sub-family, nearly all of which, we may say, are confined to 

 South America. Several very handsome species are, however, known to 

 inhabit Mexico. 



The giant humming bird {T. gigas) is arranged here. It is the largest 

 species known, being nearly as large as the orchard oriole. The sword- 

 billed humming bird is worthy of being mentioned on account of its exces- 

 sively long bill, which considerably exceeds the length of its body. It feeds 

 upon insects which frequent the flowers of Bignonia (trumpet flowers) and 

 other plants which have very large tubular flowers, for which its bill is 

 admirably adapted. The white-necked hummingbird, T. albicollis [pi. 102, 

 j^^. 1), is a common species. 



The birds of this sub-family seem to prefer the northern parts of South, 

 and probably will be discovered to be numerous in Central America. 



Fam. 4. Meliphagid^, or Honey-suckers. Bill generally long, curved, 

 and acute, tip sometimes emarginate ; wings moderate or rounded ; tail 

 mostly long and broad ; tarsi rather short and strong ; toes long. Tongue 

 extensile and furnished at the tip with a fascicle of short, slender fibres. 



A small family of birds, peculiar to Australia and the adjacent islands. 



Sub-fam. 1. Myzomelince, or Honey -creepers. Bill long, slender, and 

 curved ; wings short ; tail short and emarginate ; tarsi and feet moderate, 

 rather slender ; claws curved, acute. 



These are observed Ho frequent the flowers of various species of plants 

 indigenous to the continent of Australia, and are represented as feeding upon 

 their secretions as well as upon the small insects which abundantly infest 

 them. Whilst occupied in this pursuit, they may be seen clinging to and 

 hanging from the flowering branches in a variety of attitudes. Their flight is 

 rapid, and occasionally at a considerable height in the air. These birds are 

 not common in collections. Myzomela sanguinolenla, Glyciphila melanops, 

 and some others are, however, frequently brought by travellers and collectors. 



Sub-fam. 2. MeliphagincE, or Honey -eaters. Bill long, slender, and 

 usually acute ; wings moderate, rounded ; tarsi short, strong ; toes mode- 

 rate, sometimes strong ; claws curved, acute. 

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