100 
HUMMING-BIRDS. 
ing one wing at a time, and passing each of the quill- 
feathers through their bill in its whole length, when, 
if the sun is shining, the wing thus plumed is rendered 
extremely transparent and light.” * 
They are also possessed of boldness and familiarity. 
Wilson has seen them attack and tease the king-bird, 
and among themselves they are exceedingly pugna- 
cious, two males seldom meeting on the same bush or 
flower without a battle. In the gardens they flutter 
about without heeding intruders. “ A person standing 
by the side of a common althea in hloom, will be sur- 
prised to hear the humming of their wings, and then 
see the birds themselves within a few feet of him.” 
And Wilson mentions one so familiar as to enter a 
room by the window, examine the bouquets of flowers, 
and pass out by the opposite door. The same was 
known to take refuge in a hothouse during the cool 
nights of autumn, to go regularly out in the morning, 
and to return as regularly in the evening, for several 
days together. 
During the breeding season, if the nest is approach- 
ed, they dart round with a humming sound, often 
passing within a few inches of the person ; and should 
the young be newly hatched, the female will almost 
immediately resume her seat, though the intruders 
continue within a few yards distance. The intre- 
pidity and jealousy of a diminutive Mexican species, 
( T. eganopogon — Mexican star,) according to Mr 
Bullock, far exceeds the quiet courage of the northern 
* Audubon. 
