The introduction into the United States, at so many distant points, of
the European House Sparrow (_Pyrgita domestica_) renders it necessary
to introduce it with any work treating of the birds of North America,
although totally different in so many features from our own native
forms. I follow Degland and Gerbe in placing the genus _Pyrgita_ in a
separate subfamily (_Pyrgitinæ_, see page 446), without any distinct
idea of its true affinities, as it does not come legitimately within
any of the subfamilies established for the American genera. In some
respects similar to certain _Coccothraustinæ_, in the short tarsi and
covered nostrils, the wings are shorter and more rounded, the sides of
the bill with stiff bristles, etc. The much larger, more vaulted bill,
weaker feet, and covered nostrils, distinguish it from _Spizellinæ_.