450 



NATURAL HISTORY OF BIRDS. 



tending to and including the head. They have short tails and bills, and in general 

 appearance are most attractive birds. Selasphorus ru/us, from California to Nootka 

 Sound ; Calyptce annce, from Mexico and California ; and Trochilus colubris, the 

 Ruby-throat, of eastern North America, south to Central America and the West In- 

 dies, are probably the best known among the species. A charming species is Calypte 

 helence, from Cuba. The entire head and throat with its lengthened feathers are bril- 

 liant metallic crimson, and the tail deep greenish blue, as are also the upper parts ; 



FIG. 223. Helactin cornutus, horned hummer, suii-gem. 



under surface white. This little gem, of only about two and a half inches in total 

 length, has a varied song, well sustained, and, for the size of the little creature, rather 

 powerful. It has not a rapid flight, is very pugnacious, and when in the air preserves 

 a complete silence, but commences to sing on alighting. 



Mellisuga minima, from Jamaica and St. Domingo, is among the very smallest of 

 birds, being only a little over two inches in total length. This diminutive creature is 

 rather plainly attired, being green above, and white beneath. It is quite abundant in 

 Jamaica, resorting to the blossoms of the West Indian vervain, seeking its nourish- 



