ORNITHOLOGY. 



Tanagra Tricolor: viridis, capite, mento, jugulo et pectore 



pallide thalassinis capistro nigro, cervice collique 

 lateribus viridi-aureis, giilse macula magna dor- 

 soque nigris, pectoris fascia cserulea, abdomine 

 crissoque ex llavicante viridibus. GmeL T, 1. 

 p. % 891. 



Tangara varie a tete verte de Cayenne. — Buff. PL Enl, n. 33 .y! 1. 

 B Tangara vari^ a tete bleue de Cayenne. — Buff. PI, Enl.n. SS.Jl 2. 



The history of this splendid species of Tanager is unknown to 

 Naturalists : we are aware only, that independently of the varieties 

 arising from its different states of plumage, there are two pretty 

 distinct and accurately defined varieties, one of which has the head 

 of a fine green, the other of a rich blue. Some authors consider 

 these two birds as specifically different, while others are as well 

 assured they are the same. Dr. Latham observes that these birds 

 are, without doubt, the same, differing only in sex, but which of 

 them is the male is not ascertained. Some of the French writers, 

 among whom is Vieillot, express a different opinion, for they assure 

 us neither the female or the young are known, and they further add, 

 that in the Brazils this bird is common, while in Guiana it is rare. 

 Vieillot once regarded them as distinct species, but has subsequently 

 described them as the same. Both birds, according to Dr. Latham, 

 are from Cayenne ; we have seen both kinds from the Brazils. 



The size of this bird is that of the house sparrow : the rump is 

 usually green, but in the blue headed variety, is sometimes flavous, 

 more or less inclined to orange. 



