176 THE FIERY-TAILED SUN-BIRD. 



Each, fairy bower and forest glade abounds with 

 them. 



When the morning sun shines on the crown of 

 the palm trees, a cloud of Parrots, like streaks or 

 patches of vivid colour, fly forth in search of a 

 stream in which to take their early bath. Hum- 

 ming-Birds, of radiant hues, sparkle among the 

 branches, and gorgeous Fly-catchers pursue the 

 insects that flutter on every side. 



Here we find the Sun-Birds like tiny gems 

 perching on the flowers, or climbing among the 

 branches. In the Picture, you see the Fiery- 

 tailed, or, as he is sometimes called, the Red-tailed 

 Sun-Bird. 



He is a native of a part of India called Silhet, a 

 province which borders on Bengal, and has a 

 capital town of the same name. 



You see in what glowing costume he is clad. 

 The upper part of the head and the throat are 

 blue, changing into violet. Then comes a patch, 

 or mark, of orange scarlet. The wings are purple, 

 edged with green, while the breast is yellow. 



The fiery tail is, as you perceive, of the same 



