TANAGERS. 



561 



pitch of obesity, causing them to be sought after with avidity, 

 to gratify the fastidious palate of the gourmand. It is even said 

 that Thrushes intoxicate themselves among the vines, vrhich has 

 given rise to the French proverb, " As drunk as a Thrush," in 

 speaking of a man who has been indulging too freely in wiae. 

 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 shares both the good qualities and the defects of 

 the Song Thrush, and it is likewise much esteemed by epicures. 

 The two other species 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 Tanagees {Tanagrince) form a genus of birds peculiar to the 



Fig. 263.— Tanagers {Tanagra rubra, Nutt.). 



hot regions of America. They are remarkable for 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 down on the ground. In general life they 

 resort about 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 have an agreeable song ; among 



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