The racket-tail humming-bird (Discura longicauda) takes its name from
the curious form of its tail, the feathers of which are forked,--the two
exterior ones being twice the length of the second pair. The colour of
the tail is purple-black; the face, throat, and part of the neck light
green; while under the chin there is a little velvet-black spot. The
upper part of the body is a bronze-green, and a bright buff band crosses
the lower end of the back.