33



I was informed, was an apoplectic seizure brought on by r over

exertion or excitement whilst singing ; but the actual cause of

the mischief was too generous living during the pairing season.



THE SONGS OF TANAGERS.


By W. Nicholson.


The Scarlet Tanager in my possession was purchased

when quite a young bird, and had not then attained his adult

plumage. Whilst in this state, I never heard him utter anything

except the familiar cry of “ tak,” which he only repeated when I

went near his cage or was feeding him. At the end of last

summer, after he had moulted and assumed his scarlet and black

plumage, he seemed to become more lively ; and one day I heard

a peculiar song, but was not sure which of my birds was the

author of it, until I had a peep into the bird-room and found it

was the Scarlet Tanager, which I had previously thought to be

a dummy as regards song. Certainly the song does not approach

that of the Thrush, although I am inclined to think the Scarlet

Tanager has pilfered a note or two of his. The song is, as

near as I can render it : Chip, chip, cheery ; chip, chip, cheery ;

bo-peep, bo-peep ; chirat, chirat; cheo, cheo ; ieeswit, teeswit, teeszvit,

teeszvit; whizee, whizee, zvliizee. This he repeats over and over

again, particularly in the morning after he has had a feed, and at

night before going to roost. Since he began he has improved a

good deal, and his voice has become more subdued and the notes

more distinct; but he has some good tutors, such as a Calandra

Lark, Blackcap, Sliama, and Thrush, besides a miscellaneous

collection of finches.


The Superb Tanager has always been fond of repeating

his sharp chirp, and uttering a few harsh notes very similar to

those of the Sliama, when the latter becomes excited ; but only

occasionally have I heard him utter a few sweeter notes, not

of any long duration, and similar to that of the Indigo Bunting,

as Dr. Butler describes it.


The Violet Tanager has a pretty little song, and is fond of

repeating it somewhat after the style of an Avadavat ; but

still he occupies a back seat as compared with his companion.

Unfortunately I cannot make his companion out ; I think he is

either Euphoniagracilis or Chlorophonia viruiis, but I am not sure:

at any rate he is the champion. On the morning of his arrival,

directly I took him out of his travelling cage and put him into

his permanent home, he commenced with his call-note, which is



