316 TANAG ERS.

several birds were observed; not uncommon in 1833—234 tsec Bull. Nutt. Urn. Cluli, iii, 1575, pp. 4:», 11M).

Ain't, bulky, of coarse gr es and leaves, lined with finer grasses and sometimes long hairs, on the ground or in low trees or bushes. Jig/gs, four to five, pale iliLlC, 'M‘ x ‘00.

Thirty to forty years ago these birds were more or less common in the middle Atlantic States, but they are now of rare occurrence cast of the Alleghanies. In Texas I have seen them migrating in closely massed flocks of several hundred individuals, all silent, except for an occasional melt. They alight on the prairie to feed; birds in the rear are constantly arising and passing to the front; there is ceaseless mo- tion.

In the summer Diekeissel makes his home in grassy fields and pastures, and from a weed stalk or bordering fence, with uplifted head, he announces his presence as though life itself depended on his vocal exertions. It is a poor song from a, musical standpoint, but pleasing

because of the singer’s earnestness: E

The LARK BI'NTXNG (6‘05. Cal/172103112201 mclrznm'nr‘z/s). a western species, has been recorded from Massachusetts, Long Island, and South Carolina.

FAMILY TANAGRIDAT. TANAGERS.

The Tanagcrs form a distinctively Annyriean family. and are most abundant in the tropics. About. three hundred and fifty species are known. of which only five reach the {Tailed States. They are re— markable, as a whole. for the brillizmcy of their plumage, and our Scarlet Tl‘anagcr is therefore no exception to the rule.

They are arhoreal and for the most part forest—inhabiting, feeding on flowers, fruit. and iuseets. The, tropical species are of a roving dis- position. and wander through the forests in search of certain trees hearing ripe fruit, near which they may always be found in num- hers.

As a rule they are not musical. A few species have more or less pleasing songs, but the voices of the majority are weak and squeaky.

KEY TO THE SPEt’JES. A. With red in the plumage. (1. Wings and tail lilaek . . . . . . . . . 608. SCARLET TANAGl-ZR 6. 1:, Wings and tail like thebody . . . . . . 610. Scum-:1: TANAGI-ZK 6. 1!. Without red in the plumage.

(1. Under parts, including under wing—eovcrts. dull liufl‘y yellow.

, 010. Sl'MMER Taxman: 9.

[7. Under parts greenish yellow, under \y'iiig»<'o\'e1'ts white.

nos Kramer TANAGICR 9.