is in striking contrast to the bright scarlet of the male. This 

 wise provision of nature renders the mother quite unnoticeable 

 on her nest and tends to preserve the species from extermina- 

 tion. 



The food of the Tanagers is insects with a little fruit now 

 and then for variety. In August the male moults and takes 

 on the colors of the female which he wears until the following 

 spring when he again dons his scarlet suit. Early in September 

 the family depart together for the South, traveling leisurely 

 to the land of constant summer. 



BIRD NOTES 



133 



