TANAGERS. 533 
gratify the fastidious palate of the gourmand. It is even said that 
thrushes intoxicate themselves among the vines, which has given rise 
to the French proverb, ‘“‘ As drunk as a thrush,” in speaking of a 
man who has been indulging too freely in wine. But this is absurd ; 
although the Thrush may be unable in the autumn to fly away with its 
usual agility, the only cause is its increased weight. 
The Redwing ( Zurdus iliacus) shares both the good qualities and 
defects of the Song Thrush, and is likewise much esteemed by epicures. 
The two other species, Missal Thrush (Zurdus vesccvorus) and the 
Fig. 243.—Scarlet Tanagers. 
Fieldfare ( Zurdus pilaris), are of less importance in an edible point of 
view. They are all natives of Europe, and visit the centre and 
south of France. 
The Tanagrine group form a genus of birds peculiar to the hot 
regions of America. They are remarkable for having a bill which is 
tapering and triangular at the base, and for the brilliant colours of 
their plumage. They are allied by their habits to the Warblers and 
the Sparrow. They are lively, constantly in motion, and but seldom 
settle on the ground. In general life they resort among trees and 
bushes to collect berries, seeds, and insects. According to the species, 
they live either solitarily, in families, or in flocks. Some kinds of 
them have an agreeable song ; among these are the Organist Tanagers. 
