354 Trees, Stars, and Birds 



Hummingbirds have very slender beaks, small feet, 

 and long, narrow wings. Some kinds are 7 inches long. 

 In 'fact, in one species two of the tail feathers reach this 

 length. Other kinds are smaller than the ruby-throated 

 hummingbird or birds of any other family. They differ 

 greatly with regard to the shape and length of the bill 

 and tail. 



The dazzling brilliancy of the plumage of the humming- 

 birds in the full sunlight is like that of jewels. Different 

 kinds have been named after various precious stones. 

 The colors are remarkable for their brilliancy and variety. 

 The upper parts of our ruby-throated hummingbird are 

 green. The throat of the male sparkles like a ruby when 

 the light is reflected at the proper angle, but in other 

 positions it appears quite dull. Many other kinds of 

 hummingbirds show similar changes in the appearance 

 of the plumage of the throat and also of other parts 

 when the direction of the light changes. The color is 

 due to the structure of the feathers. In most kinds of 

 birds the bright colors are due to pigment in the feathers, 

 and this fades on long exposure to strong light. The 

 bright colors of hummingbirds do not fade. The author 

 has specimens of beautiful kinds which were brought 

 from South America more than three quarters of a cen- 

 tury ago. 



Hummingbirds obtain from flowers both insects and 

 nectar. The plants they visit are benefited by having 

 their pollen carried from one flower to another. Can 

 you tell what color of flowers attracts them most? 

 Think of the kinds of flowers on which you have seen 

 them. Do they ever enter an open window ? Do they 



