The Fly-catchers are a family of insect-eating Birds, many of which are
British, distinguished by long, broad, and very flat bills, contracting
suddenly at the tip; the tail is short, slender and rounded; the legs
long and weak. It has a bright green plumage above, whitish beneath; and
a scarlet throat. It is a native of South America and the Antilles; and
a traveler, under the name of Green Humming-bird, describes it as “one
of the most beautiful birds he ever saw.” It is a familiar little Bird,
and will often let a Man come within a few feet to admire it before
becoming alarmed.
It lives almost entirely on the ground, feeding on Insects, which it
catches in the evening. It builds its nest in the crevices on river
banks, or in the soft rocks, in which it hollows out a dwelling by means
of its bill and feet.