170 



SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD. 



Trochilus sapphirinus. LINN.EUS. 



PLATE XXVIII. 



Sapphire Humining-bird, Latham's General History, vol. iv. p. 

 326. Oiseau-mouche Saphir, Ornismya sapphirina, Lesson, 

 Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-mouches, Iv. Ivi. and Ivii. 

 p. 172. 



THE Sapphire-throated Humming-bird, or, as it is 

 sometimes called, " the Sapphire/' is about three 

 inches and six lines in length. The bill is a clear 

 yellow, blackish towards the point ; the crown and 

 upper part of the body are bright golden green ; the 

 chin is of a clear reddish brown or rust colour, from 

 which, covering the throat, breast, and upper part of 

 the belly, extends the rich and beautiful blue that has 

 furnished the name to the bird ; it is composed of the 

 scaly-shaped feathers, and, in some lights, has a violet 

 lustre; the flanks and belly are brownish green, 

 changing to gray on the vent ; the tail is equal, and 

 entirely of a clear red. The female wants the rusty- 

 coloured chin, and is of a duller colour above. The 

 young is described by Vieillot, as of a blackish gray 

 underneath; the red on the chin slightly apparent; 



