The topaz humming-bird is perhaps the most resplendent and beautiful of
its tribe. The fiery topaz (Topaza pyra) is found on the shores of the
Rio Negro. The larger part of its feathers are of a blazing scarlet,
which contrasts beautifully with the deep velvet-black of the head and
part of the neck. The throat is emerald-green, with a patch of crimson
in the centre. The lower part of the back, and the upper tail-coverts,
are of a resplendent green with an orange gloss; and the wings and tail
of purple-black, the two elongated feathers of the tail excepted--they
being of a purplish-green. Its nest appears as if formed of leather,
and is so cleverly woven that it can scarcely be distinguished from the
bark or fungi growing on the branch to which it is fixed.