1872.] REV. J. E. SEMPER ON THE BIRDS OF ST. LUCIA. 651 



17. Tyrannus rostratus, I. c. p. 272. (Pipperie.) 



Takes its name from its cry, which somewhat resembles it. The 

 Pipperie affects open land, also the undergrowth or rustrojo which 

 springs up in abandoned clearings. Its favourite position is perched 

 on an elevated dry twig, whence it makes frequent swoops after insects. 



18. Eulampis jugularis, I. c. p. 272. (Bronze-winged Hum- 

 ming-bird.) 



The largest of our Humming-birds ; no difference observed between 

 tbe appearance of the sexes. 



19. Eulampis holosf.ricus, /. c. p. 272. (Emerald Humming- 

 bird. ) 



Builds a nest of vegetable down, moss and lichens, on any greyish- 

 barked branch or twig. 



20. Orthorhynchus ornatus, I. c. p. 272. (Gold-headed 

 Humming-bird. ) 



A lively fearless little fellow, will come within a yard of a quiet 

 spectator to suck honey &c. from flowers, or to sip water. When 

 at rest, often elevates his golden crest, which then, however, appears 

 to less advantage than when it is kept flat ; when elevated, the crest 

 looks like a number of large pins in a pincushion ; but when flat, and 

 in a favourable position, the crest looks like a button of polished 

 gold. During its flight, or when hovering about a flower, the effect 

 is very pretty, as the golden appearance of the crest is presented or 

 withdrawn with every change of the bird's position. The female is 

 a trifle smaller than the male, and duller in colour. She builds a 

 nest of vegetable down close down in a cluster of leaves, so that it is 

 seldom seen. When sitting she is very bold, and will dart at the 

 face of an intruder. I have never known her actually to strike; but 

 she will come within a couple of inches of one's face. All these 

 humming-birds possess extraordinary powers of flight. Besides their 

 hovering and ordinary mode, they have a flight when alarmed of 

 extreme rapidity, so rapid that the eye can scarcely follow them. 



21. Crotophaga ani, I. c. p. 273. (Merle Corbeau.) 



The Merle Corbeau, or Keel-bill, of which I forwarded a couple 

 of specimens, is rather a recent immigrant to St. Lucia. It is 

 insectivorous, and keeps together in small flocks. In Trinidad and 

 Demerara, where they are more plentiful, they may be seen perched 

 on the back of cows and mules in the pastures, picking off the 

 ticks &c. In Demerara they are called " Old Witches." 



22. Coccyzus minor, I. c. p. 273. (Coucou manioc.) 



Found everywhere, but sparingly and singly ; always busy hunt- 

 ing among the trees and bushes, creeping, as it were, amongst the 

 branches ; is generally noisy just before and during rainy weather ; 

 is a somewhat stupid bird, and does not think of avoiding danger. 



