POPELAIEE'S THORNTAIL. 



237 



exterior feathers are tipped with white, and the others with bronze-green. The under 

 surface is white, diversified with bronze-green spots on the breast and flanks. The puffs 

 are smaller than in the male. 



There are several species belonging to this genus, among which may be mentioned the 

 Peruvian Eacket-tail, a bird which may be distinguished by the rusty-red colour of 

 the leg-muffs. 



The Columbian Thoenbill 

 is an inhabitant of Santa Fe de 

 Bogota, and is remarkable for its 

 adherence to the more temperate 

 regions of that locality. It never 

 seems to ascend to the hills, but 

 prefers remaining in the plains or 

 in some of the valleys where it 

 can find the greatest abundance 

 of food. It appears not to fre- 

 quent the tops of trees, as is often 

 the case with Humming-birds, 

 but contents itself with the low 

 flowering shrubs of the plains and 

 valleys. The colour of this bird 

 is golden-green on the upper 

 parts, changing into a warmer 

 hue on the upper tail-coverts. 

 Below, it is dull green, with the 

 exception of a remarkable tuft or 

 beard which hangs from the chin, 

 and which is light green towards 

 its base and purple-red towards 

 its extremity. The wings are 

 purple-brown, the tail brown with 

 a bronze gloss, and the under tail- 

 coverts brown-yellow. The female 

 resembles the male, but has not 

 the flame-like mark on the throat. 

 The total length of this species is 

 between five and six inches. 



There are several species of 

 Thornbills, among which may be 

 noticed Heeean's Thoenbill 

 {RhampJiomicron Herrdni), a bird 

 which is remarkable for its broad 

 purple tail and the snowy white tips 

 of the three exterior feathers. All 

 the Thornbills possess the curious 

 beard-like appendage to the chin. 



At the right-hand lower corner of the engraving on page 223, will be seen a curiously 

 formed bird, remarkable for its long slender crest and the elongated feathers of its tail. 

 This is the Popelaiee's Thoentail [Gouldia Popelairii). This "beautiful little creature 

 inhabits Peru and Columbia, and is found in the most elevated regions of that locality. It 

 is a very quick flier, but there is little kno^ai of its habits. 



In the adult male, the crown of the head, the shorter feathers of the crest, together 

 with \}\Q face and throat, are light golden green, and the long slender feathers are black. 



i-H'lfll^<%r 



COLUMBIAN THORNBILL.— iJftami);!omicr-o« Uleropdgon. 



