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EUBY-THROATED HUMMING BIRD. 



{Trocliilus Coluhris.) 



This is the only member of the humming bird fam- 

 ily that makes its abode in this part of America, all the 

 rest being confined to the tropical regions of the new 

 world, while the old world is supplied by the sun-bird, 

 which is a very beautiful species. Our little hummer 

 is a perfect gem. Arriving by the first of summer, it 

 stays with us until early autumn, or until the flowers 

 and insects upon which it feeds are gone. The general 

 color of this bird is a beautiful metalic green, with a 

 handsome ruby throat, which is changeable. The fe- 

 male is light underneath, and is minus of the red throat. 

 When angry or excited they utter a sharp chirping 

 sound. There is a great amount of pleasure to be de- 

 rived by watching this beautiful little fairy, taking 

 honey and insects from flowers while suspended in the 

 air. Very often they alight on some near object by 

 the house, when you have a good opportunity to study 

 their tiny form. It will bear being looked at, provided 

 the observer keeps at a reasonable distance. Sometimes 

 this species can be tamed, if good care and patience are 

 exercised in doing it. The nest of this bird is very at- 

 tractive, being composed of fine, soft material like wool 

 or down, and covered with the lichens from trees and 

 fences, which make the little cup resemble an old knot 

 on the limb, and it is often mistaken for such. The 

 opening of the nest is scarcely larger than a Cjuarter 

 dollar, and is very cute in appearance. The eggs, two 

 in numl)er, are white, and scarcely larger than peas. 



