HUMMING 



BIRDS. 



SPECIES FIGURED. 



AZUEE- CROWNED. 



PLATE I. — FIG. h 



Teochilus qjjadkicolob, is the scientific name of this very 

 beautiful species, which is found chiefly in Brazil; the form 

 is more long and slender than that of most Humming Birds; 

 it generally measures about three inches and three-quarters in 

 length. It has a long straight bill, rather enlarged at the 

 base, of a clear yellow, except at the tip, where it is black. 

 Over the top of the head is what looks like a cap of brilliant 

 blue; this extends a little way doAvn the back, and then grad- 

 ually changes into a rich metallic green, which again fades 

 off into a purplish brown, of which colour are the larger wing 

 and tail feathers, the latter having a greenish reflection on 

 their upper sides. The throat, the breast, and all under parts 

 of the body are a pure white. The wings are large and long, 

 projecting, when closed, as far back as the tail, which is 

 composed of broad strong feathers. 



In young birds the colours are less pure, the upper parts 

 having a greyish tinge, and the white below being somewhat 

 mixed with brown; the bill, too, has a dull appearance, and 

 the beautiful azure crown, which distinguishes the species, is 

 altogether or nearly wanting; this only makes its appearance 

 as age advances. The legs of this bird are remarkably short, 

 but the toes are long, and well adapted for grasping the stems 

 of the plants on which it frequently alights. 



The name quadricola, or four-coloured, is given to it on account 

 of the four prevailing tints of its plumage — brown, green, blue, 

 and white. 



