COLUMBTAX THORN-BILL. 



381 



from the long, racket-shaped feathers of the tail, which, when 



flying, are in constant motion, waving 



softly in the air, opening and closing 



in the most beautiful manner. In its 



flight it may vie with the arrow as it 



darts from a bow ; and when the bird 



rapidly cleaves the air, the tail-feathers 



lie straight behind it. 



The chief colour of this bird is a 

 bronzed green, the upper tail-coverts 

 being of a richer and redder hue. The 

 wings are of a purple-brown, as is the 

 tail ; but the rackets are black, shot 

 with green. The feet are yellow, with 

 two beautiful white ruffs surroundino; 

 the legs. 



COLUMBIAN THORN-BILL. 



In the same district, invariably 

 keeping at the bottom of the valleys, 

 is found the Columbian thorn-bill. It 

 does not even mount, as do many 

 humming-birds, to the tops of the 

 trees, but seeks its food among the 

 low, flowering shrubs. It is of a 

 golden green colour on the upper 

 parts, and of a dull green below ; ex- 

 cept on its curious tuft, which hangs 

 from the chin, and is of a light green 

 at the base, and a purple -red to- 

 wards the points. The wings are of a purple -brown ime, 



WHITK-BOOTED RACKET-TATL. 



