147 



RUBY-CRESTED HUMMING-BIRD. 



Trochilus moschitus. LINNJEUS. 



PLATE XI. 



Trocliflus moschitus, Linnceus ; Gmelin, 494 Ruby-crested 

 Humming-bird, Edwards' Gleanings, pi. cccxliv. ; Latham, 

 General History of Birds, vol. iv. p. 330 Le Rubis Topaz, 

 Ornismya moschita. Lesson, Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaitx- 

 mouches, pis. lii. liii. liv. p. 166. 



THIS common, but beautiful species, presents per- 

 haps some of the most splendid colouring of any of 

 the family. The upper part of the head and throat 

 are clothed entirely with the scaly -formed feathers, 

 which always compose the parts producing the change- 

 able colours. On the hind head the feathers are elon- 

 gated, and form a short rounded crest. In one posi- 

 tion, this part appears of a deep sombre reddish brown ; 

 when viewed transversely, it assumes a bright cop- 

 pery lustre ; and when looked upon directly, with a 

 side stream of light, it becomes of the richest and 

 most brilliant ruby red. The scaly part of the throat 

 and breast again, when wanting the lustre, is of an 

 equally sombre greenish brown ; and when held in 

 different lights, changes from a clear golden green to 



