DORiFERA Johanna. 



Blue-fronted Lance-Bill. 



TrochilnsJohanTKB, Bourc. in Proc. of Zool. Soc, Partxv. p. 45. — lb. Rev. de Zool. 1847, p. 257. 

 Mellisiiga Johanna, Gray and Mitcli. Gen. of Birds, vol. i. p. 112, Mellimga, sp. 20. 

 Trochilus [Doryfera] violifrom, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part xv. p. 95. 

 Dorifera johanncB, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av., p. 68, Dorifera, sp. 2. 



In figuring this rare and truly curious species, I feel assured that I shall give pleasure to those who make 

 the Humming-Birds their particular study, inasmuch as it is not only one of the rarest, but one of the most 

 singular members of the entire group. It is to the rich country of the Columbian and Peruvian Andes that 

 we are indebted for this interesting bird. In its form it is precisely like the D, Lxidomcice, but in its 

 colouring it is widely different, the metallic forehead being rich violet-blue instead of green, and the under 

 surface velvety black instead of bronzy green ; besides which it also differs in being of a smaller size. 



M. Bourcier has given this bird the specific appellation of Johannw^ in memory of a daughter of the late 

 Mr. George Loddiges. 



The specimen from which he took his description was sent by Mr. Mathews from Peru ; the two in my 

 own collection, which appear to be male and female, are from Santa Fe de Bogota; these latter differ from 

 the former in having the whole of the under surface black, without any of the grey on the throat as described 

 by M. Bourcier, which grey colouring may probably be only a mark of immaturity. 



Forehead metallic violet; nape, back of the neck and upper part of the back bronzy green, passing into 

 the purer green of the back and wing-coverts ; rump and upper tail-coverts dull greyish blue ; throat and 

 abdomen black, with green reflexions ; under tail-coverts deep violet-blue ; wings purplish brown ; tail 

 black, slightly glossed with green, and with a trace of bronzy brown on the tips of the three lateral feathers ; 

 bill black ; feet brown. 



In the second specimen, which I believe to be a female, the bronzy tips of the lateral tail-feathers are 

 larger and more conspicuous, especially on the under surface. 



It will be seen, that, like M. Bourcier, I had recognized the specific value of this bird, and had charac- 

 terized it as distinct under the name of violifrons ; but his name having the priority, my own must sink into 

 a synonym. 



The figures are of the size of life. 



