432 FAMILY PKINGILLID^ ; TANAGERS. 



They much resemble these in general conformation, but are 

 remarkable for their gaiety of plumage, which is particularly to 

 be noticed in those species that inhabit the tropical portions of 

 America. The number of species is very large ; and the differ- 

 ences between them are usually but very slight, though they 

 are such as adapt them to those varieties of climate, food, &c., 

 which any widely-spread tribe of Birds must necessarily encoun- 

 ter. Among other points of difference between the Tanagers 

 and the Finches of temperate climates, we may notice the mode 



FIG. 233 ORGANIST TANAGRR. 



of breeding. The nests in the former group, as in the latter, 

 are in general elaborately formed ; and are constructed externally 

 of small twigs and bits of the stalks of plants, and lined internally 

 with wool, feathers, or down. The eggs, however, instead of 

 being five or six in number, are only two or three ; but there are 

 two or more broods in the year. This is very common among 

 Birds of tropical climates ; and it is not difficult to understand the 

 purpose of the arrangement. The length of the day between the 

 tropics never varies very much from twelve hours ; and the 

 twilight is very short : and, further, there is an ample supply of 

 food throughout the year. On the other hand, the length of the 

 day in temperate climates, during the usual breeding season, is 

 much greater ; and it is only at that period, that a sufficient 



