2 12 
The N attn'alist in La Plata. 
It Las frequently been remarked that humming- 
birds are more like insects than birds in disposition. 
Some species, on quitting their perch, perform wide 
bee-like circles about the tree before shooting away 
in a straight line. Their aimless attacks on other 
species approaching or passing near them, even on 
large birds like hawks and pigeons, is a habit they 
have in common with many solitary wood-boring 
bees. They also, like dragon-flies and other insects, 
attack each other when they come together while 
feeding ; and in this case their action strangely 
resembles that of a couple of butterflies, as they 
revolve about each other and rise vertically to a 
great height in the air. Again, like insects, they 
are undisturbed at the presence of man while 
feeding, or even when engaged in building and in- 
cubation ; and like various solitary bees, wasps, &c., 
they frequently come close to a person walking or 
standing, to hover suspended in the air within a 
few inches of his face ; and if then struck at they 
often, insect-like, return to circle round his head. 
All other birds, even those ^vhich display the least 
versatility, and in districts where man is seldom 
seen, show as much caution as curiosity in his 
presence ; they recognize in the upright unfamiliar 
form a living being and a possible enemy. Mr. 
Whiteley, who observed humming-birds in Peru, says 
it is an amusing sight to watch" the Lesbia nuna 
attempting to pass to a distant spot in a straight 
line during a high wind, which, acting on the long 
tail feathers, carries it quite away from the point 
aimed at. Insects presenting a large surface to the 
wind are always blown from their course in the 
