Glaucis ruckeri
THIS species of Glaucis, which has only been found hitherto in Veragua and the adjacent states of Central
America, is so rare, that two specimens in my own collection, from which the figures were taken, and a
third, imperfect in the plumage of the chest, in that of Mr. Loddiges at Hackney, are all the examples that
have come under my notice.
When describing the new species of Humming Birds contained in tile Loddigesian collection, M. Boarcier
very appropriately dedicated this species to Sigismund Rucker, Esq., of Wandawortli, a gentleman distinguished
alike for his love of natural science and for his refined taste in the arts.
No species of this sombre-coloured genus is so varied in its markings as the present bird, which is at
once distinguished from its congeners by its bicoloured tail and rufescent chest. The specimens in my own
collection were recently transmitted to me by M. Warszewiez, the intrepid traveller now engaged in search
of botanical rarities in the most remote parts of the vast forests of the great Andean Ranges of the New
World. In order to give a just idea of this new species, I have figured it in various positions on one of the
beautiful Orchids of the country in which it is found, namely the Sobralia decora. Judging from the other
members of the genus Glaucis, but little difference will be found in the colouring of the plumage of the
two sexes.
Crown of the head, neck, scapularies, back and upper tail-coverts dark shining bronzy green; lores and
streak behind the eye black, above the posterior portion of which is a streak of white, and beneath it
another commencing at the angle of the bill ; chin dark brown; on the centre of the throat a patch of
rufous; under surface brownish grey, with hronzy reflexions; wings purple-brown under tail-coverts
bronzy green; two centre tail-feathers dark shining green, slightly tipped with white; the remainder white
at the base and tip, the central portion being occupied by a broad band of hrownish black; upper mandible
black; basal three-fourths of the under mandible yellow, the tip black.
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