[Case 62. ] 
[Case 63. ] 
96 BIRD GALLERY. 
more definite characters the absence or presence of the serration has 
been used in grouping the numerous genera, but the classification of 
the Humming-birds is extremely difficult, many of the genera being 
hard to define and grading imperceptibly into one another. 
The first flight-feather is at times attenuated, as in the genera 
Althis (1821), Agleactis (1810), and others, or the shafts of the quills 
may be broad and stiffened, asin the Sabre-wings, Sphenoproctus and 
Campylopterus (1292). The shape of the tail, too, varies enormously, but 
all these differences in structure are best appreciated by a careful study 
of the comparative preparations exhibited on the tablet in the Case. 
The small round, or sometimes purse-shaped, nest, generally composed 
of the down of plants, felted and covered with spiders’ webs and soft 
lichens, is placed on a branch or suspended from a leaf. The eggs are 
white and one or two in number, and the young when hatched are 
blind and naked. 
Among the more remarkable forms we may draw special attention 
to the Sword-billed Humming-bird (Docimastes ensiferus) (1298) with an 
enormously lengthened bill, which enables the bird to probe the long 
tubular flowers in search of tiny insects. Hutoweres (1288) has the bill 
curved in almost a semicircle, and feeds on spiders which it catches 
in the crevices of trees and walls. oddigesia mirabilis (1809) is one 
of the rarest and most marvellous members of the family on account 
of its remarkable tail. In the female and young male ten rectrices or 
tail-feathers are present as usual, but in the adult male there are only 
four, a very small pairin the middle and a greatly elongate pair on 
the outside, which cross one another and end in a “racquet.” This 
species was discovered in Northern Peru by a botanist named Matthews 
in 1836, and the single specimen then procured remained unique till, 
in 1881, the locality was rediscovered by M. Stolamann. A number of 
specimens have since been brought to Europe. 
Family XLV. Conitpm, Cotes. 
The position of the Colies in the classification of birds has been much 
discussed, but it is now generally admitted that they should be placed 
among the Cyraciiformes, and in close proximity to the Trogons. 
The family includes only the genus Colius (1860-1363), with nine 
brownish or greyish crested species, all of which are natives of Africa, 
where they are known as Mouse-birds on account of their creeping habits. 
The plumage of the sexes is similar. All four toes are directed forwards, 
but the first ean be turned backwards at will. They are all fruit- 
eaters, and live in small bands among the thick bushes, where they 
climb and creep about among the branches, the bill being used to aid 
