HUMMING-BIRDS. 205 



the " Fertile Belt," within sight of Lake Winnipeg, a region 

 where snow covers the ground for so many months in the 

 year. The most common, as well as the most beautiful, 

 species of these minute birds, is the ruby-throated humming- 

 bird a name given to it on account of the delicate metallic 

 feathers which glow with ruby lustre on its throat, gleaming 

 in the sunshine like gems of living fire. From the tip of the 

 bill to that of the tail it measures about three and a half 

 inches. The belly is green, and the upper part of the neck, 

 back, and wing-coverts, are of a resplendent and varied green 

 and gold. The breast and lower parts are white, the wings 

 purplish-brown, and the tail partly of the same colour, with 

 the two middle tail-feathers of vivid green. 



In the warm climate of the more southern States, the 

 beautiful little ruby-throat is found throughout the winter; 

 and as the summer draws on, the heat in the northern States 

 suiting its delicate constitution, it migrates in large flocks, 

 appearing in the middle States towards the end of April. 

 Tiny as they are, they pass through the air at a rapid rate, 

 and may be seen moving in long undulations, now rising for 

 some distance at an angle of about forty degrees, then falling 

 in a curve. Their long flights are performed at night, it is 

 supposed, as they are found feeding leisurely at all times of the 

 day. Small as they are, from their rapid flight and meteor- 

 like movements they do not fear the largest birds of prey ; 

 for even should the lordly eagle venture into their domains, 

 the tiny creatures will attack him without fear : and one has 

 been seen perched on the head of an eagle, at which it was 

 pecking furiously away, scattering the feathers of the huge 

 bird, who flew screaming through the air with alarm, to rid 

 himself of his tiny assailant. 



