Entered in prize competition. 



The Kuby-throat.- 



Al though this is the most 

 common species of Hummers within the U.S.,few 

 people, with the exception of oologists and nat- 

 uralists, have had the good fortune to find the 

 nests of these tiny creatures. 

 The Ruby-throat is probably the most homely of 

 the Trochilidae, yet it is the most beautiful bird 

 found in the United States. 



It derives its name from the spot under its neck, 

 which is of a beautiful irridescent ruby color. 

 Its back presents a scintillazing sheen of gold 

 and iris hues, while its tail feathers are of a pur- 

 plish steel color. The colors of all the gay 

 plumaged Hummers are variable, changing with 

 every movement of the bird or angle of light 

 that falls upon them. 



This proper Ly of the feathers is due to certain 

 minute furrows which are traced upon their sur- 

 face and are analogous in their mode of action to 

 the delicate lines which give to the inside of some 

 shells their peculiar irridescent splendor. 



—4— 



