The CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR (_Oreotrochilus Chimborazo_), one of the most
magnificent members of this group, has a powerful body, long, thin, and
slightly-curved beak, moderate-sized but strong wings, a broad rounded
tail, formed of pointed feathers, and powerful feet, partially covered
with down. The sexes differ considerably in appearance. The male is of a
resplendent violet on the head and region of the throat, with greyish
olive-brown mantle and white belly, shading to yellowish brown at its
sides; the centre of the throat is decorated with a long triangular patch
of glossy green, divided from the light under side by a line of velvety
black; the quills are purplish brown, and the centre tail-feathers dark
green, the rest greenish black on the outer and white on the inner web;
the beak and feet are black. The female is olive-green on the back, and
olive-brown on the under side, slightly marked with a lighter shade; the
breast is white, each feather spotted with brown at its tip; the centre
tail-feathers are brilliant dark green, the rest light greenish brown, and
white towards the root; the two exterior feathers have a white spot on
the inner web. The body is four inches and three-quarters long; the tail
measures two inches and three-eighths.
[Illustration: THE CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR (_Oreotrochilus Chimborazo_).]
"This beautiful species," says M. Jules Bourcier, "is exclusively
confined to the volcanic mountain, Chimborazo. Here, at an altitude where
vegetation ceases, and near the eternal snows, it loves to dwell, the
height of its range appearing to be governed by that of the chuquiraga,
its favourite shrub, the flowers of which afford it an abundance of
nectarian and insect food. It is solitary in its habits, and so pugnacious
that it immediately offers battle to intruders on its haunts. The male
perches on the extremity of the most elevated branch, and is rarely
found near the female, which, unlike her mate, invariably perches near
the ground, a circumstance that, combined with her sombre colouring,
renders her very difficult of detection. Both sexes retain their greyish
green garb during the first year of their existence; the young males
may, however, be at all times distinguished by a tolerably well-defined
collar of olive-green and brown. The nest is formed of lichens, and is
either suspended to or sheltered beneath a ledge of rock. The eggs, two in
number, have a white shell."
* * * * *
The SABRE-WINGS (_Campylopterus_) are at once recognisable from the
peculiar shape of the wing, which is broad, with the anterior quills
strongly curved, their shafts, in adult birds, becoming suddenly dilated.
The tail is large and blunt or broadly rounded at the end, and the
powerful beak, which is half as long again as the head, but slightly
curved, compressed at its sides, and broader than it is high. The legs are
delicate, and the claws long.