VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMING-BIRD. 151 



it in the splendid volume devoted to the natural history 

 of that expedition. 



It inhabits Chili, and was met with in the woods 

 surrounding the Bay of Conception, near Talcaguano. 

 They were generally found at mid-day, enjoying the 

 flowers of a scarlet loranthus, which abounded in a 

 honied juice. It was in that district a bird of passage, 

 retiring north during winter. 



This species is about four inches in length, and in 

 form is stronger than many of its congeners, and the 

 shafts of the quills are of more than ordinary strength. 

 The crown is adorned with violet plumes, forming a 

 sort of cowl, lengthened towards the occiput. The 

 upper parts of the body are of a golden green, which 

 also tinges the wings and tail. The throat is white, 

 the plumage composed of scaly feathers, each marked 

 in the centre with an oval brownish spot ; the breast 

 and belly are reddish white ; the tail and wings brown, 

 with violet reflections. 



