ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. 
TROCHILUS (SPATHURA) MELANANTHERA, Jarpine. 
Puate LXXX. 
Last post from Quito brought us some Humming-Birds which were 
of great interest; among them was one belonging to the sub-group, 
which has been called Spathwra, and of which the beautiful species 
S. underwoodii, with its white boots and racket tail, has been con- 
sidered typical. This species, last figured in the only number yet 
published of Mr, Gould’s Monograph, is found in the neighbourhood 
of Santa Fé de Bogota, and in Galipan, between La Guayra and the 
Caragcas, at an elevation of from 5000 to 9000 feet. Of the spe- 
cimen lately received, Professor Jameson writes (considering it to be 
T. underwoodii),—* I am not aware of its being hitherto met with 
to the south of the equator.” Along with a true 7. wnderwoodit 
Mr. Gould had enclosed a 9 of a Spathwra with an unspotted breast, 
with an opinion, that the male of the latter would prove distinct ; 
and on comparing the Quitian birds with these and the figure and 
description in the Monograph, there appears to be a considerable 
difference. The proportions and tints vary, and the large space of 
black on the chin and maxilla is very marked. We are not aware 
whether M. Bourcier has noticed it, and examination of more speci- 
mens must decide whether it is only a local variety, but meanwhile 
We have applied the above specific name, quite provisionally, until 
the point as to species is cleared up, and give a description from 
the specimens before us. 
$ Above, green, bronzed on upper tail-covers; wings purplish- 
black; tail bronzed green, the long exterior feathers black, the 
Spathulate ends velvet black with rich green reflections. Below, chin 
and Sides of maxilla velvet black; centre of the throat and stretch- 
Mg round below the auriculars, with the sides of the neck, emerald 
éreen, forming a brilliant gorget; belly and vent green; boots large 
and pure white, 
ae length, 4, 8; bill, 5; wing, i. 8; outer tail-feathers, 9. 8. 
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