100 HUMMING-BIRDS. 



ing one wing at a time, and passing each of the quill- 

 feathers through their bill in its whole length, when, 

 if the sun is shining, the wing thus plumed is rendered 

 extremely transparent and light." * 



They are also possessed of boldness and familiarity. 

 Wilson has seen them attack and tease the king-bird, 

 and among themselves they are exceedingly pugna- 

 cious, two males seldom meeting on the same bush or 

 flower without a battle. In the gardens they flutter 

 about without heeding intruders. " A person standing 

 by the side of a common althea in bloom, will be sur- 

 prised to hear the humming of their wings, and then 

 see the birds themselves within a few feet of him." 

 And Wilson mentions one so familiar as to enter a 

 room by the window, examine the bouquets of flowers, 

 and pass out by the opposite door. The same was 

 known to take refuge in a hothouse during the cool 

 nights of autumn, to go regularly out in the morning, 

 and to return as regularly in the evening, for several 

 days together. 



During the breeding season, if the nest is approach- 

 ed, they dart round with a humming sound, often 

 passing within a few inches of the person ; and should 

 the young be newly hatched, the female will almost 

 immediately resume her seat, though the intruders 

 continue within a few yards distance. The intre- 

 pidity and jealousy of a diminutive Mexican species, 

 (T. cyanopogon Mexican star,) according to Mr 

 Bullock, far exceeds the quiet courage of the northern 

 * Audubon. 



