GLAUCIS RUCKERI.
Rucker’s Hermit.
T ro ch iln s R u c k e r i , Bou rc. in Proc. Zo o l. S o c ., part xv . p. 46.
P o l y tm u s RucJceri, Gray and Mitch. Gen. o f B irds, vol. i. p. 1 08, P o l y tm u s , sp. 38.
T h i s species o f Glaucis, which has only been found hitherto in Veragua and the adjacent states o f Central
America, is so rare, that two specimens in my own collection, from which the figures were taken, and a
third, imperfect in the plumage of the chest, in that o f Mr. Loddiges at Hackney, are all the examples that
have come under my notice.'
When describing the new species o f Humming Birds contained in the Loddigesian collection, M. Bourcier
very appropriately dedicated this species to Sigismund Rucker, Esq., o f Wandsworth, a gentleman distinguished
alike for his love o f natural science and for his refined taste in the arts.
No species o f this sombre-coloured genus is so varied in its markings as the present bird, which is at
once distinguished from its congeners by its bicoloured tail and rufescent chest. The specimens in my own
collection were recently transmitted to me by M. Warszewiez, the intrepid traveller now engaged in search
of botanical rarities in the most remote parts o f the vast forests o f the great Andean Ranges o f the New
World. In order to give a just idea of this new species, I have figured it in various positions on one o f the
beautiful Orchids o f the country in which it is found, namely the Sobralia decora. Judging from the other
members o f the genus Glaucis, but little difference will be found in the colouring o f the plumage of the
two sexes.
Crown o f the head, neck, scapularies, back and upper tail-coverts dark shining bronzy green; lores and
streak behind the eye black, above the posterior portion of which is a streak o f white, and beneath it
another commencing at the angle o f the b ill; chin dark brown; on the centre o f the throat a patch of
rufous; under surface brownish grey, with bronzy reflexious; wings purple-brown; under tail-coverts
bronzy green; two centre tail-feathers dark shining green, slightly tipped with white; the remainder white
at the base and tip, the central portion being occupied by a broad band o f brownish black; upper mandible
black ; basal three-fourths of the under mandible yellow, the tip black.
The figures are of the natural size.