Snow-cap. Mellisuga albo-coronata, Laur. Ann. Lye, New York, vol. vii. 1855, p. 187. pl. iv. In figuring this little Humming-bi : N Hg § this mming-bird I have the pleasino task ee é ‘asing task of ring ; I ; a ee re I g bringing before the notice of my readers g species of the family that h as been discovered for man : E 1 y years, and of recording acknowledgements to a most liber ee ae al a io Sener aie : George N. Laurence of New York, tl eae scientific gentleman of the western world. It is to Mr. y A Oo » > ie 5G 5 é ‘ ee x : Ey ren, that my thanks are due, not only for the gift of the only example of fee but for much kindness and attention during my visit to America. Independently of an intimate acquaintance with other ornithologic 5 this new bird that graces my collection, oe al groups, Mr. Laurence is an excellent Trochilidist, and possesses one of the finest collections of the Thochilide out of Europe On instituting an examination and comparison of this bird w oa me ith the other forms of the family, I at once perceived that it differed in its character . S from every one of them, and, consequently, that it was necessary to constitute it the type of a new genus, and with the kind assistance of P. L. Sclater, Esq., I have instituted that of Mcrochera for its reception. The following extract from Mr. Laurence’s paper on this species, published in the “ Annals of the Lyceum of New York” as above quoted, comprises all that is at present known respecting it :— ‘In form comparatively short and stout ; bill straight and slender, the nostrils hid by the frontal feathers ; the wings extend a little beyond the tail, which is slightly rounded; outside of tarsi clothed for half their length with hair-like feathers; the hind toe as long as the outer one. “* 4dult.—Front and crown silky white, forming a flattened crest, projecting over the sides of the head, the feathers of which (although not lustrous) have the scale-like form of metallic ones; all the upper and under plumage is of a glossy blue-black, having on the neck and upper surface metallic reflections of cupreous red, most conspicuous on the lower part of the back ; wings purplish black; wing-coverts slightly bronzed with green ; on the chin is a small tuft of feathers, diverging on each side, of a dull green, fringed with white ; the two central tail-feathers are deep purple, the others are white at the base for two-thirds of their length on the lateral feathers, increasing to three-quarters on the others, with a terminal band of bluish black edged with white; the outer margins of the outside tail-feathers are black; the upper tail-coverts have crimson- purple reflexions, the lower are white; in the dried specimen the upper mandible is black, the lower brown- ish yellow; the feathers on the tarsi are brown, terminating with white; tarsi and upper surface of feet brown, underneath the feet are yellow. ; “«¢ Young.—Two specimens of young birds have the white crest-feathers appearing a the bill and more the edges of the crown, the centre of the crown being dull metallic green ; the black of the under surface is intermixed with white; the upper plumage is green, with crimson reflexions on the rump; the tail is marked the same as in the adult, except in being more tipped with white. et “Length, 22 inches ; bill, +; wing, 13; tail, 2. The young do not differ much in size from the adult. «© Habitat.—Veraguas, New Grenada. « At first view the full-plumaged bird has the appe reflexions are not very observable except on examination. ae been able to ascertain, is unique among its kindred in arance of being only black and white, as the metallic “It is a very small species, and, as far as I have having the crown entirely white. «The specimens were presented to me by below, a very interesting account of their habits. a 2, while stationed in the district of Bele ety of the Humming-bird family. ig its feathers. I was doubtful for a few moments xamination I convinced myself of the fact and Dr. J. K. Merrit, who has furnished, in the note which is given - n, Veraguas, New Grenada, that «<< Tt was in the autumn of 185 I obtained several specimens of this diminutive vari : ig plumit “