MULSANT'S WOOD-STAR (_Calothorax Mulsanti_) is a very beautiful species
of Humming Bird, inhabiting Columbia and Bolivia; the male is dark green
on the back and sides, with a brilliant gloss; the chin, cheek-stripes,
lower part of throat, a streak on the centre of the breast and the belly
are white, the chin relieved by a violet sheen. The back of the female
is lighter than that of her mate, her under side is white, and the lower
tail-covers of brownish red; a line on the sides of the throat is deep
olive-green, and the tail light brown, tipped with black. The habitat of
this species, according to Gould, is confined to the temperate regions of
Columbia.
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The ELVES (_Lophornithes_), a most magnificent group of Humming Birds, are
recognisable by the remarkable tufts of feathers that adorn, sometimes the
head, sometimes the tail of the males of different species. The awl-shaped
beak is somewhat flattened at its base; the feet are usually small, the
toes short, and the claws long. The plumage of the male is rich and much
variegated, while that of the female is very plain.
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The PLOVER-CRESTS (_Cephalolepis_) possess a delicate awl-shaped beak,
scarcely equalling the head in length; the toes are short, and armed
with long thin claws; the wings are short, the tail comparatively long,
and composed of broad feathers. The feathers on the head of the male are
prolonged into a crest.