The SICKLE-BILLED HUMMING BIRD (_Eutoxeres aquila_) principally differs
from its congeners in the sickle-shaped formation of its powerful beak and
its conical tail. In this species the back is of a glossy greyish green;
the head and a small crest by which it is adorned are brownish black,
these feathers and those upon the rump being edged with brown; the under
side is brownish black, marked on the throat with greyish yellow and on
the breast with white spots; the quills are purplish brown, the exterior
secondaries tipped with white.
"It is evident," says Gould, "that the bill of this very rare and singular
Humming Bird is adapted for some especial purpose, and we may readily
infer that it has been expressly formed to enable this species to obtain
its food from the deep and remarkably-shaped blossoms of the various
orchidaceous and other plants, with curved, tubular flowers, so abundant
in the country the bird inhabits, and for exploring which a bill of any
other form would be useless." At present nothing is known of its habits.
* * * * *
The SUN BIRDS (_Phaëtornis_) have a large, long head and slightly-curved
beak. Their foot is small and delicate, with partially feathered tarsus
and formidable claws; the tail, in which the centre feathers far exceed
the rest in length, is long and conical. The plumage is dull, and the
sexes alike in colour, the only difference observable being the formation
of the tail.