44G 



NATIJIIAL UISTOllY OF liinDS. 



action, wliich is often repeated, is probably effected for the purpose of taking insects 

 in the uir. 



The genus Sappho contains species the magnificence of whose plumage cannot be 

 described by words and is very inadecpiately exhibited by the best colored represen- 

 tation. They are known by the common name of 'fire-taiif;,' and arc natives of Peru, 

 Bolivia, and the Argentine Republic. The tails of the males blaze with the radiance 

 of flushes of flame, and their ruby backs, luminous green throats, and under surface 



%■" ■■'^: 



FlO. 222. — Sappho sparganura, fire*tJilL 



present a tottt ensemble unparalleled in the range of Ornithology, not even excejiting 

 the gorgeously attired species of the birds-<)f-])aradise. S. spargaiutra, the longest 

 known species, is a denizen of Bolivia and the Argentine Republic. It apjjcai-s wlien 

 the fruit trees are in blossom, and ])articularly resorts to the Capuli, a kind of cherry. 

 It frequents the fields of maize, ])ulse, and other leguminous i)lants, and the rich 

 flowers of the cacti which afford thum abundant food. It is by no means shy, and the 

 males are constantly warring with ami chasing each other, uttering sharp cries. It is 

 a very pugnacious species, and each individual resents the intrusion of another within 



