The rapid flying white-booted racket-tail is likewise common near Santa
Fe. It possesses muffs, like the former, and is found at an elevation
of nearly 10,000 feet. It is named from the long, racket-shaped
feathers of the tail, which, when flying, are in constant motion, waving
softly in the air, opening and closing in the most beautiful manner. In
its flight it may vie with the arrow as it darts from a bow; and when
the bird rapidly cleaves the air, the tail-feathers lie straight behind
it.
The chief colour of this bird is a bronzed green, the upper tail-coverts
being of a richer and redder hue. The wings are of a purple-brown, as
is the tail; but the rackets are black, shot with green. The feet are
yellow, with two beautiful white ruffs surrounding the legs.