Columbian Wood-Nymph (Thalurania Columbica), John Gould However highly M. Warszewicz may have extolled the loveliness of the Thalurania venusta, it scarcely exceeds that of the bird here represented, which must also be regarded as a species of great beauty and elegance. 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."