White-throated Emerald (Thaumatias leucogaster), John Gould In the usual acceptation of the term this is one of the commonest species of Humming-bird with which we are acquainted; in using the word commonest, I intend to convey that it is a bird which has long been known and sent to Europe in great abundance; all other species will, however, doubtless become equally common when their native localities have been discovered and the collector has played an equal part in procuring examples: we have ourselves evidence of this in what has occurred with regard to several species inhabiting the neighbourhood of Bogota, which ten years ago were scarce in our collections, but have since been sent in thousands. 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."