peculiar actions and habits ; an account of which would doubtless prove highly interesting, as they probably
differ as much from those of the members of the group as the bird does in its form and colouring.
As is very commonly the ease among the Trochilidm, the sexes present a marked difference m appearance,
the beautiful crest which adorns the male being entirely wanting in the opposite sex
Sir Robert Schomburgk found this bird in Barbadoes, and specimens collected by him are contained
in the Collection at the British Museum. As will be seen on reference to his “ History of Barbadoes,
it is the only Humming-bird observed by him in that island.
The male has the forehead and crown rich golden-green, blending into the rich deep blue of the elongated
crest-feathers; sides and back of the head, upper surface of the body, wing-and ta,1-coverts dark grass-
green • wings purplish-brown; two centre tail-feathers dark purplish-green, the remainder purplish-black;
under surface dull black, with a wash of grey on the th ro a t; bill and feet blackish-brown.
The female has the head, all the upper surface, wing- and tail-coverts bronzy-green; wings purplish-
brown; central tail-feathers dark bronzy-green, the remainder purplish-black, the two outer on each side
slightly tipped with grey; under surface dark smoky-grey, somewhat lighter on thethroat.
The accompanying Plate represents two males and a female, of the size of life. The plant is the CaUmndra
brevipes.