RUFFED AND TUFTED HUMMING-BIRDS. 73 



with blue, and separated from the tail- 

 feathers by a band or stripe of white. 



The tail is broad, and spreads out in a 

 fan-like shape, and is green and chestnut, 

 with shades of purple. 



These exquisite little birds with the 

 tufts and ruffs I have just described, are 

 called by the French ''Coquettes." This 

 is a playful idea suggested by the orna- 

 ment worn by the bird. It can set up its 

 beautiful ruff, and give itself the most 

 attractive appearance. 



For it is during the courting season that 

 the ruff appears in its full beauty. 



Thousands of Humming- Birds, rare to 

 us, but common enough in these sunny 

 lands, sport in the forests of Brazil, and 

 are clad in rainbow vesture. 



The traveller beholds them as in a vast 

 aviary, flashing brightness and beauty on 

 every side. 



