The AMERICAN FINCHES include a great number of species called, not
inappropriately, BUNTING FINCHES (_Passerella_), from the fact that the
plumage presents markings very similar to those seen on our Buntings.
They are characterised by a slender, conical beak, somewhat arched at its
roof, and straight towards its tip; the wings are of moderate size, with
the secondary quills of unusual length, the tarsus high, the toes long,
and armed with large claws, those of the hind toes resembling spurs.
Some species are essentially inhabitants of woodland districts, and
carefully avoid the more open country; some confine themselves entirely
to well-watered regions, or river banks; and others, again, frequent the
sea-shore, open fields, and pastures, or replace our House Sparrows in
their relation to man and his domestic life. We must, however, content
ourselves with the mention of but a few principal members of this
extensive group.
[Illustration: THE WHITE-THROATED OR SONG SPARROW (_Zonotrichia
albicollis_).]
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The WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS are inhabitants of North America, while
the MORNING FINCHES, on the contrary, occupy the southern portion of
that hemisphere. Both species have been classed under the name of
_Zonotrichia_. These birds are furnished with a slightly conical beak,
the upper mandible of which is straight and somewhat pointed, the corners
of the mouth bent downwards, the lower mandible almost equalling the
upper one in height. The wings are of moderate length, reaching as far
as the upper tail-covers; the tail itself is of middle size, and formed
of small feathers; the tarsus is high, the toes long, and furnished
with large claws but slightly bent. The plumage is soft and thick. Both
species closely resemble the European House Sparrow in their habits,
living in and about the villages, and subsisting upon various kinds of
seeds, which they search for on the ground. Their nests are built in the
neighbouring trees, upon which, also, they generally pass the night.