GEOUJiTD FIXCKES. 
177 
like lobe in tlie middle, wliicli folds over tlie edcre of 
tlie lower mandible. The differences in tlie form of 
the bill are numerous; even in the same sub-genus 
there is a great dissimilarity between the bills of the 
different species. 
The whole of these birds, so far as has been yet 
ascertained, are natives of the warmer parts of 
America, abounding most in those regions which lie 
nearest the equinoctial line. They are in general 
small birds, the largest being intermediate between a 
Sparrow and a Thrush, while the majority do not ex- 
ceed the size of a Linnet ; some few are even smaller. 
“It is quite evident,” observes Mr. Swainson, “from 
the great strength of bill possessed by some, and the 
notch which is conspicuous in all, that these birds 
feed both upon seeds and creeping insects picked 
from the branches of trees ; for very few of them are 
ever seen upon the ground. Their colours in general 
are bright, and, in a large number, particularly rich 
and beautiful. The little birds forming the genus 
Agldia, in fact, are ornamented with the most vivid 
hues, or glossed- with rich reflections of gold, render- 
ing them inferior only to the humming-birds. Some 
possess considerable vocal powers ; and the notes of 
the sub-genus Eiiphonia, as its name implies, are said 
to be particularly musical.”* 
One of the most splendid of these birds is the 
Scarlet Tanager (Fhoenisoma rubra), whose whole 
plumage, except the wings and tail, is of the most 
vivid carmine-red. Wing-coverts, posterior secondaries, 
and middle tail-feathers, black ; the primaries, adjoin- 
* Classification of Birds, 
X N 
