The present is a somewhat larger species than the Lafresnaya flavicaudata, and, if I mistake not, will be considered even more beautiful in its colouring, its pure white tail-feathers offering a greater contrast to the velvety-black of the abdomen, and the green colouring of the breast being still more resplendent.
In my account of L. flavicaudata, stated that that bird was a native of Columbia, while Ecuador and Peru lay claim to the bird here represented—L. Gayi. It was in Quito that the greater number of the specimens in my collection were procured; the remainder are from Peru.
It will be observed that, like the L. flavicaudata, this species has been honoured with two specific appellations—Gayi and Saulæ, both of which were applied to it by M. Bourcier. I have, however, looked in vain for any character in his descriptions by which the opinion that they apply to two distinct birds can be substantiated. When describing Saulæ, M. Bourcier stated that it was somewhat larger than the Gayi, but I believe he now admits that both terms have reference to the same bird; however, should a further accession of examples induce a contrary conclusion, I shall be happy to rectify the error.
The present species, which has been dedicated to Dr. Gay, so well known for his scientific explorations in Chili, is much more rare than the L. flavicaudata. Of its habits and actions, which I suspect are rather peculiar, nothing whatever is known.
The term Saulæ was given as a compliment to the daughter of Mr. Saul, the conchologist.
The male has the head, all the upper surface, wing- and tail-coverts golden-green; wings rich purplebrown; throat, chest and flanks shining deep grass-green; abdomen velvety-black; under tail-coverts bronzy-green, with white bases; two centre tail-feathers greenish-bronze; lateral tail-feathers white, with an arrowhead-shaped mark at the tip of each, broadest on the outer web, largest and most conspicuous on the external feather, and gradually lessening towards the central ones.
In the young male the tipping of the tail-feathers is much more extensive, and, except on the outer feather, is bronzy instead of purplish-brown, and the under surface is white, with a spangle of glittering green at the tip of each feather.
The female has the upper surface of a more bronzy hue, and the under surface white, spangled with bronze instead of green.
The Plate represents the birds of the natural size. The plant is the Scodacalyx Warszewiczii.
Featuring all 422 illustrated species from John Gould’s A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds arranged by color.
Humming-Birds
