PHAIOLAIMA RUBINOIDES. 



Lilac-throat. 



Trochilm rubinotdes, Bourc. et Muls. Ann. de la Soc. Sci. de Lyon, vol. ix. 1846, p. 322 

 Mellisuga rubinotdes, Gray and Mitch. Gen. of Birds, vol. i. p. 112, Mellisuga, sp. 23. 

 Heliomaster rubinotdes, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av., p. 70, Heliomaster, sp. 5. 

 Clytolama rubinotdes, Bonap. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1854, p. 254. 

 Phaiolaima rubinotdes, Reichenb. Aufz. der Colibris, p. 9. 



On a close examination I find this species differs considerably both in form and colouring from the Clyto- 

 Icema rubinea, with which it has hitherto been associated; I therefore adopt Dr. Reichenbach's generic 

 appellation of Phaiolaima for this and a nearly allied species from Ecuador. These two birds are rendered 

 very conspicuous among the Trochilidae by the quiet and modest style of their colouring as compared with 

 the C. rubinea and other allied species. The tail, as will be seen, is very peculiarly coloured, but harmonizes 

 well both with the buff colouring of the under surface and the metallic pale-lilac-coloured throat-mark. 



The Phaiolaima rubindides is by no means a common species ; and nothing, I regret to say, is known of its 

 habits, or the localities it frequents. It is a native of New Grenada, and individuals now and then occur in 

 collections from Bogota. The metallic throat-mark and brilliant crown are more developed in some specimens 

 than in others, and I have seen examples where both were almost absent ; the birds in this state may be 

 females or young males of the year. Few examples in this condition have yet been sent to Europe. 



Face, line down the crown, and sides of the head luminous green ; on the throat a patch of metallic lilac ; 

 sides of the head and upper surface bronzy green, the bronzy hue predominating on the wing-coverts, lower 

 part of the back and upper tail-coverts ; wings purplish brown, edged on the shoulder and outer quill with 

 deep buff; tail pure bronze, with deep buff shafts ; under surface buff, washed with green on the flanks. 



The figures are of the size of life. The plant is the Lcelia acuminata. 



