CALOTHORAX DECORATUS, Gould. 



Decorated Wood-star. 



Calothorax decoratus, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc, part xxviii. p. 309. 



My collection is graced with a very fine example of this bird, but by whom it was collected and whence it 

 came are quite unknown to me. In size it is directly intermediate between C. Muhantl and C. Heliodori ; 

 although a larger bird than the latter, the feathers of the throat are less prolonged on the sides. It would 

 be difficidt to say to which of the two species above mentioned it is most nearly allied ; and it is a bird 

 which might be easily overlooked in collections from New Grenada, which will most probably prove to be its 

 proper habitat. Of its specific value I have no doubt. I have a specimen taken out of spirits and given 

 to me by Mr. Linden, which I think will prove to belong to this species ; if so, the bird is from Antioquia. 



The following description and remarks were published in the ' Proceedings of the Zoological Society ' 

 for 1860, and, as I have nothing to add thereto, they are reprinted here :■ — 



" This species might easily be mistaken for Calothorax Heliodori ; but although closely allied to that 

 bird, it differs from it In several particulars — In being much larger, In having the frill In front of the 

 throat not so prolonged at the sides (in which respect It more nearly resembles C. Midsanti), the two centre 

 tail-feathers finer or more spiny, and the bill much longer. These comparisons have been made with fine 

 specimens In my collection of all three species. 



* 



" Crown of the head, all the upper surface, and flanks deep grass-green ; throat and sides of the neck 

 very lovely shining lilac ; chest grey ; wings and tail purplish brown ; bill black. 

 " Total length 3 inches ; bill f ; wing If ; tail i," 

 The figures are of the size of life. The plant is the Agave maculosa. 



