The  food  of  the  Summer  Red-Bird  is  very  similar  to  that
of  the  preceding  species  ;  bugs,  beetles,  and  stinging  bees
make  part  of  his  repast,  as  well  as  flies  and  cynips  of  vari-
ous kinds,  after  which  they  often  dart  about  until  hindered
by  the  approach  of  night.  This  habit,  however,  is  prob-
ably necessary  from  the  almost  nocturnal  manners  of
some  of  these  insect  tribes.  After  the  period  of  incuba-
tion, and  until  their  departure,  whortleberries  and  other
kinds  of  berries  form  no  inconsiderable  part  of  their  food.
The  male  of  this  species  is  7^  inches,  the  alar  extent  about  12.  He
is  of  a  rich  vermilion  color,  most  brilliant  below,  except  the  inner
vanes  and  tips  of  the  wings,  which  are  tinged  with  brown.  The  legs
and  feet  are  pale  greyish-blue,  inclining  to  purple.  The  iris  light
hazel.  —  The  Female  is  above  of  a  brownish  yellow-olive,  below
brownish-yellow.
LOUISIANA  TANAGER.  47'1

LOUISIANA    TANAGER.
{Tanagra  ludoviciana,  Wilson,  iii.  p.  27.  pi.  20.  fig.  1.     Phil.  Mu-
seum, No.  6236.)

Sp.  Charact.  —  Yellow;  anterior  part  of  the  head  orange- scarlet ;
back,  wings,  and  tail  black  ;  wings  with  2  yellow  bands.
This  species  was  first  made  known  by  the  exploring
party  of  Lewis  and  Clark.  It  is  a  frequent  inhabitant  of
the  extensive  prairies  or  grassy  plains  of  Upper  Missouri,
and  is  seen  occasionally  as  low  as  the  cantonment  of
Major  Long,  or  but  a  little  beyond  the  line  of  settlements.
