52 



cassell's book of birds. 



to the identical twig they had left. In the evening, after sunset, when the Goatsuckers are beginning 

 their search over the rivers, I have seen Humming Birds come out of the forest and remain a long 

 time on the wing, now stationary, now darting about with the greatest rapidity, imitating in a limited 

 space the varied evolutions of the Goatsuckers, and evidently for the same end and purpose. 



The MOUNTAIN NYMPHS {Oreoirochihis) are at once recognisable by the very peculiar 

 formation of the wings, in which the shafts of the exterior quills are remarkably broad. The strong. 



TKE SICKLE-EILLED HUMMING BIRD [Eutoxeres aquilo). 



high beak is of medium size, and the short tail almost straight at its extremity, only the outer feathers 

 being slightly rounded. The magnificently-coloured and glossy plumage is blue or green upon the 

 mantle, and of a lighter shade on the under side ; the region of the throat is usually edged with the 

 most glowing tints, and the e.\terior tail-feathers are often white. The sexes vary considerably in 

 their coloration. , 



THE CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR. 



The CHIMB0RAZI.4N HiLL-STAR {OrcoirocMlus Chimborazo), one of the most magnificent members 



cf this group, has a powerful body, long, thin, and slightly-curved beak, moderate-sized but strong 



wings, a broad rounded tail, formed of pointed feathers, and powerful feet, partially covered with 



down. The sexes differ considerably in appearance. The male is of a resplendent violet on the 



