EPIMACHUS ELLIOTI. 



ELLIOT'S BIRD OP PARADISE. 



EPIMACHUS ELLIOTI, Ward, Proc. Zool. Soc. (1873, November 18) p. 

 Hab. New Guinea. 



This very beautiful species, by which I am honoured in having it bear my name, was lately described by Mr. 

 E. Ward in the ' Proceedings of the Zoological Society,' as above stated. Mr. Ward obtained it in a small 

 collection of birds from the East Indies ; and it is presumed that its native country is New Guinea, that land 

 which has produced so many wonderful animal forms, and which is regarded as the home of the remarkable 

 Birds of Paradise. Although essentially belonging to the genus Epimachus, the present bird is very distinct from 

 the single previously known species with which every one has been familiar for many years ; and it is very 

 interesting at this late day to become acquainted with a second, allied form of the same genus. The Epimachus 

 Elliott is only about two thirds the size of its large relative ; but it is possessed of far more brilliant colours in 

 its plumage, and in the sunlight must present a beautiful appearance indeed as its rich velvety feathers throw off 

 their changeable hues of purple and green, with the metallic colours of the tips of the side-plumes flashing on the 

 eye as the bird raises them tremblingly over its wings. The broad tail-feathers, with their amethyst dyes, look 

 not unlike watered silk, and are of velvety softness, as is, indeed, the entire plumage of the body. The skin, 

 having been prepared by a native, was deprived of its primaries and legs ; but otherwise it was in good condition — 

 sufficiently so to enable Mr. Wolf to produce the beautiful and characteristic drawing on the accompanying Plate, 

 which is a very faithful representation of the species. The female is unknown, but would probably resemble that 

 of E. speciosus. The species may be described as follows : — 



Top of head rich amethyst ; occiput and side of neck also amethyst-colour, changing in certain lights to a rich 

 light greenish gloss. Back, wings, upper tail-coverts, and tail, brilliant violet-purple ; the wings and tail also 

 marbled with a dark amethyst hue, like watered silk, changing according to light. Throat and upper part of 

 breast deep maroon-colour, with purple reflections. A narrow reddish purple band crosses the lower part of the 

 breast. Sides of the breast, flanks, and rest of underparts dark green. The flank-feathers much elongated, and 

 stretching beyond the wing. Beneath the shoulder of the wing spring two rows of plumes, which are greenish at 

 their base, graduating into deep purple, and terminating in a brilliant metallic blue very much narrower on the 

 upper row than on the lower one. The plumage of the entire bird is very velvety in texture, and, with the 

 exception of the metallic parts, appears black in ordinary lights. Bill black, rich orange-yellow at gape. The 

 figures are life-size. 



