Description of a Neiv Species of Humming Bird, &c. 137 



under the anus. I am not aware whether the inspiration is act- 

 ive or passive, nor where the motive power resides. 



The color of the fish generally is of a greenish brown, the 

 lower parts of the body white, the fins are of a bluish brown, 

 and when dried they turn green. The eyes are black : the 

 scales are covered with a muscosity. 



XIX. — Description of a New Species of Humming Bird of the 

 Genus Mellisuga Brisson, with a note on Trochilus aquila, 

 Bourcier. 



By George N. Lawrence. Head April 2, 1855. 



Mellisuga albo-coronata. 



The "White-crowned Humming Bird. 



Plate IV: 



In form comparatively short and stout; bill straight and 

 slender, the nostrils hid by the frontal feathers; the wings 

 extend a little beyond the tail, which is slightly rounded ; out- 

 side of tarsi clothed for half their length with hair-like feathers; 

 hind toe as long as the outer one. 



Adult. — Front and crown silky and cream-white, forming a 

 flattened crest, projecting over the sides of the head, the feathers 

 of which (although not lustrous) have the scale-like form of 

 metallic ones ; all the upper and under plumage is of a glossy 

 blue black, having on the neck and upper surface metallic 

 reflections of cupreous red, most conspicuous on the lower part 

 of the back; wing purplish black; wing coverts slightly 

 bronzed with green ; on the chin is a small tuft of feathers, 

 diverging on each side, of a dull green, fringed with white ; 

 the two central tail feathers are deep purple, the others are 



