136 



differs slightly from the above in having the crown more strongly shaded with reddish copper, 

 the red mantle rather brighter, the throat shaded with violet, while on the breast are no signs 

 of scarlet. 



The species constituting this group appear to be peculiarly subject to these slight variations 

 in their colouring, which has already been remarked upon with regard to C. sjieratus. The 

 cause may possibly be that this species and C. speratus, like C. zeylonicus and C. Jtasselti, do not 

 change their plumage like most other Sun-birds, but wear their brilliant garb throughout 

 the year. 



