Snow-cap (Microchera albocoronata), John Gould In figuring this little Humming-bird I have the pleasing task of bringing before the notice of my readers one of the most singular species of the family that has been discovered for many years, and of recording my acknowledgements to a most liberal and highly scientific gentleman of the western world. 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."