558 . The Roller-like Birds 



The Topaz-throated or King Hummingbirds (Topaza) are among the largest 

 of the family and are further conspicuous for their elegant form and brilliant 

 plumage. There are two species, the Crimson Topaz (T. pella) of Guiana and 

 the Lower Amazons, and the Fiery Topaz (T. pyra) of the northern tributaries 

 of the great South American river. The former is much the better known and 

 is a truly magnificent bird, some eight and a half inches in total length, although 

 some three inches of this are taken up by the lengthened caliper-like tips of the 

 second pair of tail-feathers. The general color is a brilliant metallic crimson, 

 the whole throat of the most glittering, burnished golden yellow or topaz, chang- 

 ing to emerald-green, encircled by velvety black, which covers also the sides and 

 top of the head. 



The Fire-tailed or Comet Hummingbirds (Sappho} also include two species, 

 belonging to Peru, Bolivia, and the Argentine Republic. ' The tails of the males 

 blaze with the radiance of flashes of flame, and their ruby backs, luminous 

 green throats, and under surfa.ce present a tout ensemble unparalleled in the range 

 of ornithology,' while Mr. Gould says that the ' two species generally known 

 under the names of Sappho and Phaon are par excellence the most gorgeous of 

 birds in existence, so far as regards the coloring of their tails ; and well do these 

 living meteors deserve the more general name of Comets.'' The tail of these 

 birds is greatly lengthened, and, when spread, is forked. The upper surface of 

 these feathers is burnished to a degree scarcely to be equaled by any art, and 

 glows with a refulgence not surpassed by any gem, the glorious color heightened 

 by contrast with the bold and sharply defined velvety black tip to each feather. 

 In the Sappho Comet (S. sparganurd) the red color of the tail and rump is of 

 an orange-red or scarlet hue, while in the Phaon Comet (S. phaori) the color is 

 the loveliest crimson or purple-red. 



Sylph Hummingbirds. Allied to the Comet Hummers are the Sylph Hum- 

 mingbirds (Cyanolesbia), the tails of which are of similar form, but gloriously 

 blue and green, shaded with violet, in one species, splendid grei&n in another, 

 and with black centers instead of tips. They inhabit the mountains of northern 

 and western South America. 



Ruby and Topaz Hummingbird. So far as the coloration of the head alone 

 is concerned, no other Hummingbird equals the Ruby and Topaz (Chrysolampis 

 mosquitus}. 'It is a species,' says Mr. Gould, 'which plays no inconsiderable 

 part as an article of trade; for it is the one par excellence of which thousands 

 are annually sent to Europe for the purpose of contributing to the decorations of 

 the drawing-rooms of the wealthy, for the manufacture of artificial flowers, 

 etc. ; and well suited is it for such purposes, its rich ruby and topaz-like coloring 

 rendering it one of the most conspicuous and beautiful objects imaginable.' 



De Rham's Garnet. One of the most beautiful of the Mexican Humming- 

 birds is De Rham's Garnet (Lamprolcema rhami}. It is a large species, four and 

 a half inches long; green above; throat, metallic solferino or garnet; breast, 

 rich metallic violet-blue ; the tail, which is very broad and slightly forked, being 

 of a violet-black hue. 



Saber-wing. Scarcely less beautiful and considerably exceeding it in size 



