The Bunting, tlie Chaffincli, and tlie Sparrow, are 
examples of the Fringillincd, or Grround Pinches. 
The FringilliiKe, Mr. Swainson observes, may he cor- 
rectl}'" termed Grround Finches ; since with scarcely 
any exception, they are all birds which habitually 
walk or hop in such situations, and derive their chief 
sustenance from seeds of grasses and other plants. 
Like the generality of birds which live upon the 
ground, the plumage of nearly all the FringillincB is 
of an earthy colour, that is, of difierent shades of 
brown, variegated with blackish spots or markings ; 
while their legs are light coloured. The geographic 
distribution of these birds is chiefly in the cold and 
temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and JS'orth 
America ; very few, in comparison, are found in South 
America; and none have yet been discovered in 
Australia.* 
The union of the Fringillince with the Alaudince is 
clearly effected by the genus Flectroplianes, or Lark- 
Buntings, which have the bill of Fmheriza united to 
that structure of foot so peculiar to the birds com- 
posing the latter group. 
There is a peculiarity in the bill of the Buntings 
which enables them with great facility to crack the 
husks or shells of the different seeds and berries on 
which they feed, and with the aid of the tongue to 
* Classification of Birds. 
M 
