242 CONIROSTRES. 



quite evident, from tlie great strength of the bill 

 possessed by some, and by the notch which is con- 

 spicuous in all, that these birds feed both upon seeds 

 and insects, picked from the branches of trees ; for 

 they are rarely seen upon the ground. Their colours 

 are generally bright, and in many species particularly 

 rich and beautiful ; some, indeed, are ornamented 

 with the most vivid hues, or glossed with rich 

 reflections of gold, rendering them inferior only to 

 the Humming-birds. A few possess considerable 

 vocal powers, and the notes of the sub-genus EiipJio- 

 nia, as its name implies, are particularly musical. 

 The impossibility of providing Tanagers with their 

 native insect food has prevented them from ever 

 being brought alive to Europe. 



The type of this sub-family is — 



The Eed-headed Pyranga {Pyranga rubice2)s). 



