Brilliant-fronted Emerald (Thaumatias nitidifrons), John Gould Of the genus Thaumatias there are four birds which to the eye of the unpractised observer would appear to be one and the same, but which any person conversant with the Humming-Birds would at once pronounce to be distinct species. 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."