tanager

noun

Etymology: From translingual Tanagra, from Portuguese tangará, from Old Tupi tangará.

1. Any of numerous species of often colorful passerine birds that inhabit New World forests within the family Thraupidae.

   “Breezes blowing from beds of iris quickened her breath with their perfume; she saw the tufted lilacs sway in the wind, and the streamers of mauve-tinted wistaria swinging, all a-glisten with golden bees; she saw a crimson cardinal winging through the foliage, and amorous tanagers flashing like scarlet flames athwart the pines.”

   “I’m remembering that time when there was a mourning warbler on that chip path 15 years ago and I remember the scarlet tanagers last week. That’s what I think about when I’m in the park.”