Little Humming-Bird (Mellisuga minima), John Gould In referring the above long list of synonyms to one and the same species of Humming-Bird, I know that I am deviating from the opinion of some writers on the subject; but after devoting the utmost attention to the matter, I have been unable to arrive at any other conclusion; at the same time I am open to conviction: if any proofs that I am in error can be adduced before the completion of the present work, I shall be happy to rectify any mistakes into which I may have fallen. 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."