Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/473

Rh the adult female (see 'Ibis,' July, 1897, p. 431). I found its nest in February, 1897, and watched it rear its two young in safety.

Chlorestes cærulea, Vieill. "Small Emerald."—Under this heading I will describe a ruse I used for attracting small birds, as I believe the necessitated victim belonged to this species. By imitating the high-pitched whistling call of the Pearl Spotted Owlet, I attracted a fine assortment of all the small birds within hearing, who promptly held an indignation meeting. As this procedure generally brought the Owlet as well, it produced the thethe [sic] most amusing scenes. Two of these small spitfires repeatedly hurled themselves, like flashes of light, at the intruder, who seemed only half-awake, whilst the other small birds shrieked in unison. Presently, however, it chanced that Mr. Blinks turned his head just in time to see the winged bullet approaching; up went a feathered leg, a claw closed like a rat-trap, his mouth opened, and there was one gulp, and, quicker than one can write, this little Hummer's career was ended.

Chlorostilbon carribæus, Lawr.—This species was far from common, and I only took it in one locality, i.e. Caparo, in Trinidad.

Phæthornis guyi, Lesson.—It was in the depths of the high woods near Moruga, in the Savana Grande district of Trinidad, that I secured this bird, and the discovery was due to its curious harsh notes, which could scarcely be dignified by the term song; these are uttered whilst the birds rest on bushes only a few feet above the ground, and the position assumed is so erect that the beak is in a straight line with the tail-feathers, which point directly downwards.

Phæthornis longuemareus, Lesson.—This species was taken in the high woods, in a very shady spot close to a clump of Borassus Palms. Its shrill, weak, grating song was uttered whilst it was on the wing, and was sustained for some minutes. It was so small that it might easily have been mistaken for a large bumblebee in motion.

Lophornis ornatus, Bodd. "Whiskerandos."—The only two I shot were obtained at Tacarigua, in Trinidad, and I never saw them elsewhere.

Florisuga mellivora, Linn. "The Jacobin."—This lovely bird I never met with in Trinidad, but whilst I was staying with