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 ( Turdus 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 {Turdus viscivorus) and the 



Fig. 243. — Scarlet Tanagers. 



Fieldfare {Turdus 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. 



