Eriocnemis sapphiropygia

The present bird is also one of the white-booted species of Eriocnemis, and has the under tail-coverts blue; it is distinguished further by its dark blue tail, and the coppery reflections on the upper surface.

It was discovered by Mr. Jelski in Central Peru, at Maraynioc, in June and August 1871, and was described by Dr. Taczanowski, who says that it is nearly allied to my E. cupreiventris, but, besides other differences of coloration, it has a longer and stouter Dill, a shorter and less forked tail, and considerably longer tail-feathers.

I copy the following description from Mr. Elliot’s ‘Synopsis of the Humming-Birds:’—

Adult. Upper parts bronzy green, passing into pure green on the rump and upper tail-coverts; wings purplish black; under surface glittering green; under tail-coverts shining sapphire-blue; tarsal tufts white; tail dark blue; bill black. Total length 4$\frac{1}{4}$ inches, wing 2$\frac{5}{8}$, tail 2, bill along the gape 1$\frac{1}{8}$.

The Plate represents male and female birds kindly lent to me by Dr. Taczanowski of Warsaw.

References

• Eriocnemis sapphiropygia, Taczan. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1874, pp. 139, 545.—Muls. Hist. Nat. Oiseaux-Mouches, iii. p. 37 (1875).—Elliot, Synopsis of the Humming-Birds, p. 193 (1878).