Page:HouseSparrowHomeAbroad.djvu/20

12 straight line, or with slight curvature to or near the base of the bill, and then bends abruptly downward at varying angles. The cutting edge of the upper mandible forms a re-entrance; lower, a corresponding salience. This character separates the group pretty sharply from other Oscines, excepting the Icteriidæ.

All the species of the United States may be provisionally separated into four subfamilies, the European house sparrow constituting a fifth. These are the following: Coccothraustinæ, Pyrgitinæ, Spizellinæ, Passerellinæ, and Spizinæ.

Subfamily.

This group is characterized by the following particulars: bill robust, turgid, and arched superiorly, but without distinct ridge. The lower mandible, at the basal part, is narrower than the upper. The nostrils are covered, and the side of the maxilla furnished with appressed bristles. The tarsi are short, and never exceed the middle toe in length. The tail is shorter than the slightly pointed wings.

In some respects, the Pyrgitinæ are similar to the Coccothraustinæ. In the short tarsi and covered nostrils, shorter and more rounded wings, and in the presence of stiff bristles upon the sides of the bill, they resemble this group. But the weaker feet, larger and more vaulted bill, and covered nostrils, are characters which distinguish them from the Spizellinæ.

Genus, Cuvier.

Gen. Char. Bill robust, turgid, and devoid of distinct ridge; superior and inferior outlines curved; margins