The SWORD-BILL HUMMING BIRD (_Docimastes ensifer_) cannot possibly be
mistaken for any other species, owing to the extraordinary size of the
slightly-curved beak, which fully equals the entire body in length; the
wing is short and broad, and the very decidedly forked tail of medium
size. The entire mantle is of a beautiful mineral green; the head
copper-red; the throat, centre of breast, and under side of a greenish
bronze, which shades into light green at the sides. A small white spot
is placed behind the eye; the wings are purplish brown; the tail-feathers
dark brown, with a metallic green lustre; the beak is blackish brown, and
foot yellowish brown. The male is eight inches and a half long (of this
measurement four inches belong to the beak); the wing is three inches,
and the tail two inches and a half. The female is of paler hue on the
beak, and spotted with white and brown on the under side, enlivened by
a metallic shimmer on the sides; her entire length is seven inches and
a half, the beak measuring but three inches. This new and remarkable
species, we are told by Gould, inhabits the magnificent region of Santa Fé
de Bogota, and was also seen in the Caracas and Quito by Mr. Hartwig, the
celebrated botanist and traveller, who states that he observed it engaged
in procuring insects from the lengthened corollas of flower-bells, for
exploring which its elongated beak is admirably fitted; affording another
instance of the wonderful adaptation of structure to a special purpose so
frequently observable in every department of Nature's works.
* * * * *
The GNOMES (_Polytmus_) are moderately large and powerfully built birds,
with strong, medium-sized, and more or less curved beaks; the foot is
furnished with short toes and long claws; the wings are slightly curved;
the broad tail, which is scarcely longer than the closed pinion, has its
two exterior feathers much shortened. The plumage is not remarkable for
its brilliancy, being usually of a greenish or brownish shade above, and
brown variously spotted beneath; the outer tail-feathers have light tips;
the sexes are almost alike in colour.