The COLUMBIAN THORNBILL (_Ramphomicron heteropogon_) has only the feathers
on the neck prolonged; the beak is sharp and pointed; the wings narrow,
and of medium length; the broad tail is deeply forked. The entire mantle
is of copper-green, the brow deep, rich green; and the long feathers on
the throat of a somewhat metallic green in the centre, and orange-red at
the roots and edges; the lower belly is greyish white, quills purplish
brown, and tail greenish brown.
"The high lands of Columbia," says Gould, "from Venezuela to some distance
north of Santa Fé de Bogota, are the natural habitat of this fine
species. It is there very generally spread over the temperate regions of
the country, never ascending to the snow-capped hills, nor descending to
the hot plains below, but frequenting the warm valleys, where a luxuriant
vegetation, teeming with insect life, affords it a never-ceasing supply
of nourishment. The comparatively short and feeble bill points out that
minute insects constitute its principal food, and as its structure is so
similar to the other species of the genus, we may infer that, like them,
it tranquilly flits about among the low shrubs in secluded valleys, and
does not ascend to the loftier trees."
* * * * *
The HELMET CRESTS (_Oxypogon_) have a helmet-shaped crest, broad wings, a
straight tail, and lustreless plumage.