Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) ©WikiC
“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Revelation 21:19 KJV)
Avian and Attributes – Sapphire
Sapphire Gem ©WikiC
SAP’PHIRE, n. [L. sapphirus; Gr. to scrape, to shine, to be fair, open, beautiful.]
A species of silicious gems or minerals, of several varieties. In hardness it is inferior to the diamond only. Its colors are blue, red, violet, yellow, green, white, or limpid, and one variety is chatoyant, and another asteriated or radiated.
Sapphire is a subspecies of rhomboidal corundum.
The oriental ruby and topaz are sapphires.
Sapphire is employed in jewelry and the arts.
Sapphire Birds
Sapphire Flycatcher
Sapphire Flycatcher (Ficedula sapphira) ©WikiC
Sapphire Quail-Dove
Sapphire Quail-Dove (Geotrygon saphirina) ©Drawing WikiC
Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird
Sapphire-bellied-hummingbird-perched-on-branch ©ARKive
Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet
Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet ©Drawing WikiC
Sapphire-spangled Emerald
Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Amazilia lactea) by Dario Sanches
Sapphire-throated Hummingbird
Sapphire-throated Hummingbird (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis) ©WikiC
Sapphire-vented Puffleg
Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) by Michael Woodruff
Birds whose first name starts with “S”
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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
Wonderful!
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Why Are Sapphire Gems (and Sapphire Birds) So Beautiful?
( JJSJ limerick )
To some this gem’s a conundrum
Eye-dazzling, bright, not humdrum;
Like indigo, its hue —
It’s brilliant: sapphire blue!
Jewel of rhomboid corundum.
(Sorry I couldn’t find a way to insert a rhyme to go with “lapis lazuli”.)
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Nice limerick! Thank the Lord for creating such beauty in Gems and Birds!
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