Chimborazian Hill-Star, John Gould by Hummingbirds

Chimborazian Hill-Star (Oreotrochilus Chimborazo), John Gould This beautiful species of Hill-Star is an inhabitant of the celebrated volcanic mountain Chimborazo, where it is to be found at an elevation of from 12 to 16,000 feet, or to the verge of perpetual snow; in these desolate regions it finds a home so congenial to its habits, that it is never known to descend to the warmer valleys below; the various alpine plants, particularly the Chuguiraga insignis, afford it a constant supply of insect food; there, in the land of storms and earthquakes, it has dwelt for ages entirely unknown, and there it might have remained for ages yet to come, since few would imagine that so delicate a creature as a Humming-bird could live in such an inhospitable clime, had not the energy of modern travellers induced them to explore regions neglected by their predecessors, and thereby bring to light the numerous interesting objects which have enriched our collections of late years, among which few are more conspicuous for their beauty than the Oreotrochilus Chimborazo. This illustration has been restored to its original vibrancy by enhancing colors and removing unwanted marks. A monograph of the Trochilidæ, or family of humming-birds was published between 1849 and 1887 by English ornithologist John Gould. This monumental work depicts and describes all the known species of hummingbirds at the time - comprising 418 lithographic plates and information on 537 species."