Miguel del Barco (ND-1790)

Chupamirtos

From The Natural History of Baja California, Trans. Ernest J. Burrus, S.J., 1984.

The first Europeans to explore the Californias were fascinated with the terrain and especially with the unusual animals that they found here. One of the most mesmerizing was a small creature who almost seemed to live on air.

In 1737, missionary Miguel del Barco commenced a thirty year stay in Baja California, during which time he closely observed the natural world. Here he describes a New World wonder, the hummingbird, a creature of almost spiritual grace.

. . . there is frequently found in California what they call in New Spain chupamirtos (hummingbirds), and colibri in other places. This is such a small bird that it can easily be mistaken for some type of large fly. Moreover, although on account of its small size it is the smallest of the known birds, because of its fine green and gold coloring it must be counted among the most beautiful. It is superior to all the rest even in its detachment from earthly things, as much as this is possible to a sensitive living being. It seems that it disdains setting foot on the ground, or even on trees, in order to repose as do the rest of the birds.

Miquel del Barco left Baja California in 1768 and lived in Bologna until his death in 1790.