At the height of 13,000 feet above the ocean is found a curious bird,
which, from the pointed plume crowning the top of its head, and the long
beard-like projection from its chin, is very appropriately called the
helmet-crest or black warrior. It inhabits regions immediately below
the line of perpetual snow, where we should least expect to find so
delicate a creature. Its food it gathers from the thinly scattered
shrubs projecting from the ledges of rock near the snow. Its flight is
swift, but very short. When launching itself from the lofty height on
which it is perched, it flies obliquely downwards, uttering at the same
time a plaintive, whistling sound. It is more sedate in its habits than
its brethren, nor does it seem to partake of their joyous spirit. The
head and neck of the male are black, with a line running along the
centre. The long beard is white, and round the neck and back of the
head is a broad band of white. The upper surface of the body and the
two central feathers of the tail are bronzed green, the others being of
a warm reddish bronze. Its length is a little over five inches.
The female is chiefly brown, and possesses no beard or helmet-like
plume; it is also considerably smaller.