The CARMINE GROSBEAKS (_Erythrothorax_) differ from the preceding
principally by reason of the smaller size, and consequently inferior
strength of the beak, which is short, thick, somewhat bowed, vaulted, and
elevated slightly at the ridge, with a scarcely perceptible hook at the
tip. The feet are of moderate length and strong, the tail is tolerably
strong and excised, the wings somewhat long in proportion to the body,
the third and fourth quills being the longest. The magnificent crimson
which forms the principal feature in the plumage of the adult male,
distinguishes it from the female and from the young birds, whose colour
is a greyish brown, or brownish grey; the males may be numbered among the
most beautiful birds of the Passerine order.