The PIED JACOBIN (_Florisuga atra_) is almost entirely of a rich velvety
black, with the exception of the vent and legs; the wing-covers are of
a dull green, shaded with violet; the centre tail-feathers black with a
blueish gloss, whilst those at the exterior are white tipped with black.
The female is of duller hue, and has the cheeks and often the entire head
rust-red; the feathers on her back are edged with yellowish red; the beak
is deep black. This species is four inches and a half long; the wing
measures two inches and two-thirds, and the tail one inch and a half.
"The true, if not the restricted habitat of the Pied Jacobin," says Gould,
"is the eastern portion of Brazil, over which it is distributed from
Pernambuco on the north to Rio de Janeiro on the south, from which latter
locality and Bahia great numbers are sent to Europe." We are without
particulars as to its life and habits.
* * * * *
The FAIRIES (_Trochilus_) have a moderate-sized, straight beak, slender,
sickle-shaped wings, and very gorgeous plumage, which differs considerably
in the two sexes. They are generally seen hovering fairy-like around the
blossoms of trees and shrubs, apparently giving the preference to tubular
flowers, probably on account of the insects which lurk within them.