A T T H I S H E L O I S J .
HELOISA’ S HUMMING-BI RD.
ORNYSMIA HELOISA. Less, et D e L a t t. Rev. Zool., 1839, p. 15.
MELLISU6A HELOISA. G ray & Mitch. Gen. of Birds, Yol. L, p. 113.
TRYPELENA HELOISA. Bosr. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. (1854), p. 257.
SELASPHORUS HELOISiE. Gould. Mon. Troch., Yol. III., pi. cxfi.
ATTHIS HELOISiE. Gould-. Introd. Mon. Trochil., p.
The temperate regions of Mexico are the resort of this beautiful species of humming-bird. M. ©e L attre, its discoverer, obtained
the first specimens between Jalapa and Quatepec, and he says that the male rises very early, does 'not search for food after nine o’clock
in the morning, seldom leaves the female and young, and confines himself to the forests, but does not disdain field flowers.
In the Introduction to his Monograph of the Trochilidtc, Mr. Gould lias instituted a new genus for this bird, as it seemed to possess
characters separating it from Calotborax and Selasphorus, to whose members it was nearest allied, and his term Atthis, I have retained.
Although it is now generally represented in collections, nothing more is known of its. economy and habits than the few facts already
given below.
The male has the head and upper surface golden green; wings brown. Throat glistening filaceous red, the feathers considerably
lengthened on the sides. Flanks huff. Upper part of breast, abdomen , and under tail-coverts white. Tail has the central feathers blight
wreen the remaining ones arc red at base, succeeded by a band of black, and terminating with an oval white spot. Bill is black, feet
flesh-color.
Female similar to the male, but is destitute of tho brilliant gorget, the throat being white spotted with brown.
The figures are life-size. Tho plant is the Begonia Biserrata.