LIST OF SPECIES. 19 



it consists either of purplish or metallic-green feathers. Six species 

 are known, inhabiting Colombia and Ecuador, and ranging into Peru 

 and Bolivia. 



[Cases 45, 46.] 



AVOCETTINUS and AVOCETTULA. » Avocbts." 



Characterized principally by a short bill, which turns up slightly at 

 the tip, much as in the Common Avocet (Avocetta recurvirostra). 

 Avocettinus eurypterus is from Colombia, and Avocettula recurvirostris 

 from Guiana. 



[Case 47.] 

 CHKYSURONIA. " Golden-tails." 



As in the preceding genus, the tails of these Humming-birds are 

 luminous, in the females as well as in the males ; otherwise the sexes 

 are different in colour. The bill is a little longer than the head and 

 slightly curved. The tail is slightly rounded, and the tarsus clothed 

 with feathers. The range of the five species known is extensive, as 

 they are found from Guatemala through Colombia and Ecuador to 

 Venezuela, and thence over the whole of Amazonia and Brazil to 

 Paraguay and the Argentine Republic. 



[Case 48.] 

 AUGASTES. " Vizor-bearers." 



The name which Mr. Gould has chosen for these curious little birds 

 is not inappropriate, for the fantastic arrangement of the feathers of 

 the head renders them easily recognizable. Two species are known, 

 A. superbas and A. lumachellus, both from Brazil. 



[Case 48.] 

 SCHISTES. « Wedge-bills." 



These diminutive birds are very closely allied to the members of the 

 preceding genus, and havo the bill very similar in form. The arrange- 

 ment of the plumage is, however, somewhat different. Two species 

 known, both inhabitants of Ecuador. 



[Case 49.] 

 HELIOTHRIX. " Fairies." 



Remarkable for their long graduated tails, the feathers of which 

 are longer in the females than in the males. The bill is wedge-shaped. 

 The plumage is also peculiar, consisting of green and white, with tufts 

 of metallic blue on the sides of the neck. Three species are known, 

 which are spread over the greater part of South America from Southern 

 Brazil and Peru, northwards to Central America. 



