Tanagers feed upon winged insects, caterpillars, seeds, and berries.
To get these they do not need to be on the ground. For this reason it
is seldom we see them there.
Both birds work in building the nest, and both share in caring for the
little ones. The nest is not a very pretty one--not pretty enough for
so beautiful a bird, I think. It is woven so loosely that if you were
standing under it, you could see light through it.
Notice his strong, short beak. Now turn to the picture of the
Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks in April BIRDS. Do you see how much alike they
are? They are near relatives.
I hope that you may all have a chance to see a Scarlet Tanager dressed
in his richest scarlet and most jetty black.