CLASS AVES. 



175 



FIG. 300. 



Py ran' ga ru' bra. Scarlet Tanager. (J.) 



to us and remain to breed."* It nests both on the ground 

 and in trees, only the older birds selecting the latter, as 

 though taught by experience 

 the greater security. 



The male Scarlet Tanager 

 (tan'ajer), in the third and 

 following years, has, with the 

 exception of the jet-black 

 wings and tail, a fiery-red 

 plumage, in brilliant contrast 

 with the green leaves among 

 which it flits. After the Au- 

 gust molting, and during the 

 first year, it is not distinguishable, in its greenish livery, 

 from the female, its gay summer plumage being assumed 

 011 re-entering our southern borders in the spring. The 



birds of this group feed 

 mainly upon insects, and 

 claim protection as among 

 the most useful of our 

 songsters. 



The Shrike devours the 

 larger insects and smaller 

 birds, striking them sense- 

 less by one blow upon the 

 head with its powerful toothed beak. Its claws being 

 feeble, it impales its victims upon thorns, often a number 

 at a time on the same bush, that it may eat them at its 

 leisure. While dismembering, it cunningly stands upon 

 the inner side, so as to transfix them more completely.! 



* Individuals have been known to sing "nine entirely different sets of notes," 

 usually uttering them one after another in the same order. 



t In like manner it has been observed, when in confinement, to weave the 



FIG. 301. 



Col lil n o lo re a' Us. 

 Shrike, or Butcher-bird. ( i.) 



