瑰丽蜂鸟属

Uncertain, but supposed to be Anupam in New Granad

My collection is graced with a very fine example of this bird, but by whom it was collected and whence it came are quite unknown to me.

In size it is directly intermediate between C. Mulsanti and C. Heliodori; although a larger bird than the latter, the feathers of the throat are less prolonged on the sides. It would be difficult to say to which of the two species above mentioned it is most nearly allied; and it is a bird which might be easily overlooked in collections from New Grenada, which will most probably prove to be its proper habitat. Of its specific value I have no doubt. I have a specimen taken out of spirits and given to me by Mr. Linden, which I think will prove to belong to this species; if so, the bird is from Antioquia.

The following description and remarks were published in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ for 1860, and, as I have nothing to add thereto, they are reprinted here:—

This species might easily be mistaken for Calothorax Heliodori; but although closely allied to that bird, it differs from it in several particulars—in being much larger, in having the frill in. front of the throat not so prolonged at the sides (in which respect it more nearly resembles C. Mulsanti), the two centre tail-feathers finer or more spiny, and the bill much longer. These comparisons have been made with fine specimens in my collection of all three species.

Crown of the head, all the upper surface, and flanks deep grass-green; throat and sides of the neck very lovely shining lilac; chest grey; wings and tail purplish brown; bill black.

Total length 3 inches; bill $\frac{3}{4}$; wing 1$\frac{3}{8}$ tail $\frac{1}{8}$.

The figures are of the size of life. The plant is the Agave maculosa.

References

• Calothorax decoratus, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., part xxviii. p. 309.