GLITTERING HUMMING-BIRD 3 



siderable numbers in plantations on the pampas, 

 where there are flowers to which it is partial, like 

 those of the acacia tree, and its just as sudden de- 

 parture when the flowers have fallen, have led me 

 to conclude that its migration extends much further 

 south, probably into mid-Patagonia, Like most 

 Humming-birds it is an exquisitely beautiful little 

 creature, in its glittering green mantle ; and in its 

 aerial life and swift motions a miracle of energy. 

 To those who have seen the Humming-bird in a 

 state of nature all descriptions of its appearance 

 and movements must seem idle. In the life-habits 

 of the Trochilidse there is a singular monotony ; 

 and the Glittering Humming-bird differs little in 

 its customs from other species that have been de- 

 scribed. It is extremely pugnacious ; the males meet 

 to fight in the air, and rapidly ascend, revolving 

 round each other, until when at a considerable 

 height they suddenly separate and dart off in opposite 

 directions. Occasionally two or three are seen 

 flashing by, pursuing each other, with such velocity 

 that even the Swift's flight, which is said to cover 

 four hundred miles an hour, seems slow in com- 

 parison. This species also possesses the habit of 

 darting towards a person and hovering bee-like for 

 some time close to his face. It also flies frequently 

 into a house, at window or door, but does not, like 

 birds of other kinds, become confused on such 

 occasions, and is much too lively to allow its retreat 

 to be cut off. It feeds a great deal on minute spiders, 

 and is fond of exploring the surfaces of mud and 



