HISTORY OF THE HUMMING BIRD. 29 



the opposite. As we recede from the tropics, on either 

 side, the numbers decrease, though some species are found 

 in Mexico, and others in Peru, which do not appear to 

 exist elsewhere. 



From various accounts, given by Audubon, Wilson, and 

 Bullock, of the several species existing in the island of 

 Jamaica and in Mexico, and from such information as we 

 have been able to gather from other sources, there appears 

 to exist a great similarity in their manners and habits. 

 They possess " a lively and active disposition, almost con- 

 stantly on the wing, and performing all their motions with 

 great rapidity ; their flight is in darts, and it is at this time, 

 in a brilliant sun, that the variation of their plumage are 

 displayed with the greatest advantage." 



During the season in which they rear their young, if dis- 

 turbed, they become quite ferocious ; they dart round with 

 a humming sound, and often pass within a few inches of 

 the disturbers ; " and should the young be newly hatched, 

 the female will almost immediately resume her seat, though 

 the intruders continue within a few yards of her." The 

 intrepidity and jealousy of the diminutive Mexican species, 

 according to Mr. Bullock, far exceeds the quiet courage of 

 the Northern birds. " When attending their young, they 

 attack any bird indiscriminately that approaches the nest. 

 Their motions, when under the influence of anger or fear, 

 are very violent, and their flight rapid as an arrow. The 

 eye cannot follow ; but the shrill piercing shriek which 

 they utter on the wing, may be heard when the fo'rd is in- 

 visible, and has often led to their destruction by preparing 

 one for their approach. They attack the eyes of the larger 

 birds, and their sharp, needle-like bill, is a truly formida- 

 ble weapon in this kind of warfare. Nothing can exceed 

 their fierceness when one of their species invades their ter- 

 ritory during the breeding season: under the influence of 

 jealousy, they become perfect maniacs ; their throats swell 



