INTRODUCTION. xlix 



Genus Sternoclyta, Gould, 



(Ireppov, pectus, et KXvro9, insignis.) 

 Generic characters. 



Male. — Bill unusually large, rather arched, and much longer than the head ; tvings ample ; tail moderate and 

 rounded; tarsi partly clothed ; feet moderate ; throat and breast luminous. 

 Female, — Unadorned. 

 Three outer tail-feathers tipped with white in both sexes. 



67. Sternoclyta CYANEiPECTUs, GowW . . Vol. II. PL 58. 



Polytmus cyanopedus, Gray & Mitch. Gen. of Birds, vol. i. p. 108. Polytmus^ sp. 22. 

 Sternoclyta cyanipectus, Cab. et Hein. Mus. Hein. Theil iii. p. 13, note. 

 Habitat, The province of La Guayra in Venezuela. 



We now proceed to the genera Delattria, Cosligena, Lamprolcsma, Eugenes, and their allies, all of which are 

 peculiar to Central America ; at least, so far as is yet known, none of them have been found to the southward of 

 the Isthmus ; even Veragua, so far as we are aware, is not tenanted by any one of them. 



It may be considered by some ornithologists that here the subdivision of genera has been carried too far ; but 

 having once broken ground, and separated the old genus Trochilus, it would be inconsistent to place together in one 

 genus all the members of this Central American group of Humming-Birds ; for while a certain degree of unity per- 

 vades them, no generic character could be found which could be applicable to the whole. This instance will serve 

 most efficiently to illustrate the great diversity of closely allied forms which occur in the great family of Humming- 

 Birds. We frequently find groups, like the present, so diversified that nearly every species demands a generic title, 

 while in such genera as Thalurania, Petasophora, and Aglceactis, the species, though as distinct as they well can be, 

 possess characters common to all. 



I commence with the 



Genus Eugenes, Gould. 



(Evy€V7}9) nobilis.) 

 Generic characters. 



Male, — Bill straight, longer than the head ; wings long and pointed ; tail moderate and very slightly forked ; 

 tarsi clothed ; feet rather small ; hind toe about equal in length to the middle one ; crown and throat luminous. 



Female, — Unadorned. 



Of this form only one species is known ; it is a native of Guatemala and Southern Mexico, and is distinguished 

 from its allies by the gorgeous colouring of its crown and breast. It is in the possession of a luminous crown, and 

 other characters, that this bird differs from that immediately following. 



68. Eugenes fulgens .............. Vol. II. PL 59. 



Coeligna fulgens, Reichenb. Troch. Enum. p. 3, pi. 686, figs. 4513-14. 



Eugenes fulgens, Cab. et. Hein. Mus. Hein. Theil iii. p. 20. 



Trochilus melanog aster, Licht. in Mus. Berlin. 



Rivoli, Swains. Birds of Brazil, pi. 76. 



Habitat. Mexico and Guatemala. 



" This species," says Mr. Salvin, " is rare at Coban. The western boundary of the Llano of Duerias is the spot 

 where I have found it in the greatest numbers ; indeed, with two exceptions, I have never met with it elsewhere. 

 It is a most pugnacious bird. Many a time have I thought to secure a fine male, which I had perhaps been foUow- 

 ina: from tree to tree, and had at last seen quietly perched on a leafless twig, when my deadly intention has been 

 anticipated by one less so in fact, but to all appearance equally so in will. Another Humming-Bird rushes in, 

 knocks the one I covet off his perch, and the two go, fighting and screaming, away at a pace hardly to be followed 

 by the eye. Another time this flying fight is sustained in mid air, the belligerents mounting higher and higher till 

 the one worsted in battle darts away, seeking shelter, followed by the victor, who never relinquishes the pursuit till 

 the vanquished, by doubling and hiding, succeeds in making his escape. These fierce raids are not waged alone 



o 



