THE RUFOUS HUiMMER. 395 



table down, bound together and lashed to its support by a wealth of spider- 

 webbing. Unlike tlic nest of colubris, the nest of alcxcnulri is not decorated 

 witii licliens: and it not infrc(|uently resembles some small fine sponge, not 

 only in its yellow-brown tint, but in the elastic texture of its walls, which re- 

 gain their shape after being lightly squeezed. The eggs, two in number (but 

 sometimes three in this species alone), look like homeopathic pills — so dainty, 

 indeed, that the owner herself must needs dart off tlie nest every now and 

 then and boxer at some distance to admire them. The m.ile deserts his mate 

 as soon as she is well established, and the entire care of the little family falls 

 upon her shoulders. The young are fed by regurgitation. " a frightful 

 looking act," as Bradford Torrev savs. 



No. 153. 



RUFOUS HUMMER. 



A. O. U. Xo. 433. Selasphoriis rufus ((Jmel.). 



Synonyms. — Red-hackeu Hummingbird. Nootka Hummi:r. 



Description. — Adult male: In general above and below bright rufous or 

 cinnamon-red, changing to bronzy green on crown, fading to white on belly and on 

 chest, where sharply contrasting with gorget ; wing-quills ])urplish-dusky on tips ; 

 the central pair of tail-feathers broadened and broadly acuminate ; the succeeding 

 pair with a deep notch on the inner web and a slighter eniargination on the outer 

 web; gorget somewhat produced laterally, of close-set rounded metallic scales, shin- 

 ing co])pery-red, fiery red, or (varying with individuals) rich ruby-red. Rill slender 

 and straight. Adult female: Above rufous overlaid with bronzy green, clear 

 rufous on rump and tail-coverts; pattern of tail as in male but less decided; 

 central tail-feathers green tipped with black; lateral feathers chiefly rufous, 

 changing to black subterminally, and tipped with white; underparts whitish, 

 shaded with rufous on sides; gorget wanting or represented by a small central 

 patch. Young males: Like adult female but more extensively rufous above and 

 throat flecked with reddish metallic scales. Young females: Like adult female 

 but rump green and throat flecked with greenish scales. Length of adult male 

 about 3.50 (88.9); wing 1.65 (41.91); tail 1.30 (33); bill .65 (16.5). Female: 

 3.70 (94 ) ; wing 1.75 (44-5) ; tail 1.28 I 32.5 I ; bill .68 ( 17.3 1. 



Recognition Marlts. — Pygmy size; abundant rufous of male distinctive; 

 female rc(|uires careful discrimination from that of .S". alleni and ma)- ho known 

 certainly from it by notching of next central tail-feather, and hv nuter tail-feather 

 more than .10 wide. 



Nesting. — Nest: Of plant down and fine mosses bound together with cob- 

 webs, and ornamented with lichens, placed on horizontal or declining stem of 

 bush or tree. Eggs: 2, pure white, elliptical oval. A v. size, .50 x .33 (12.7 x 8.3). 

 Season: April 15-July 10; two broods. 



