FRlNGlLLIDiE — THE FINCHES — SPIZELLIN^. ^79 



in company with the ]'ainted longspur {P. p'uiiis), lualdng its uest on the 

 ground, like all the other species of tlie genus. 



The special characteristics of the sub-genus, Ce7itrophanes, of which this 

 species forms the type, will be best appreciated by the above figure. (Baird.) 



Sub-Family SPIZELLIN.E. 



Char. Bill variable, usually almost straight ; sometimes curved. Com- 

 missure generally nearly straight, or slightly concave. Ujjper mandible 

 wider than lower. Nostrils exposed. Wings moderate ; the outer primaries 

 not nuich rounded. Tail variable. Feet large ; tarsi mostly longer than 

 the middle toe. 



The birds of this division are usually small and diiU in colors, comprising 

 most of those which are commonly called sparrows. They live mostly on or 

 near the ground, in low bushes, thickets, and nuirshes, and their songs, 

 though often sweet-toned, are neither loud nor long. The sexes are nearly 

 similar in colors. 



Genus PASSERCULUS, Bonaparte. 



Passerculus, Bonaparte, Coiiipai-ative List, Birds, 1830. (Tvpc, Friiyilla Savunna, Wil- 

 son.) 



Gen. Guar. Bill moderately conical ; the lower mandible smaller ; both outlines nearly 

 straight. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe. Lateral toes about equal, their claws 

 falling far short of the middle one. Hind toe much longer than the lateral ones, reaching 

 as far as the middle of the middle claw ; its claws moderately curved. Wings unusually 

 long, reaching to the middle of the tail, and almost to the end of the ujiper coverts. The 



