FRIXGILLID.E — THE FINCHES — CURVHIOSTRA. 



147 



mandible ; uo bristles at tlie laase of the bill. Feet short and rather weak. 

 Hind claw usually considerably longer than the middle anterior one ; some- 

 times nearly the same size. 



C. Atnericann. 



This sub-family is composed of the liri^htest colored and largest of 

 American sparrow-like l)irds, mostly inhabitiTig trees, and feeding on their 

 seeds. They have usually large, stout biUs, and sing lietter tlian tliose of 

 most of the other divisions. 



The sexes xisually differ very much iu colors, and the young males, as 

 well as many of those in winter plumage, have the jilain garlj of the females. 



Genus CURVIROSTRA, Scopoli. 



Loxia, L1NJI.EUS, S_vst. Nat. 1758. (Type, Loxia curvirostra, L.) 

 Curvirostra, " Scopoli, 1777." (Type, Luxia curvirostra.) 



Gex. Char. ^Iiuidibles much elongated, compres.seil and atti'imatLHl ; greatly curved 

 or falcate, the puiuts crossing or overlapping to a greater or less degree. Tarsi very 



C. Americana. 



