| Spizella | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Field sparrow Spizella pusilla | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Passerellidae |
| Genus: | Spizella Bonaparte, 1832 |
| Type species | |
| Fringilla pusilla[1] A. Wilson, 1810 | |
| Species | |
See text | |
The genusSpizella is a group ofAmerican sparrows in the familyPasserellidae.[2]
These birds are fairly small and slim, with short bills, round heads and long wings. They are usually found in semi-open areas, and outside of thenesting season they often forage in small mixed flocks.[2]
This genus was formerly placed with theOld Worldbuntings in the family Emberizidae.[2] However, genetic studies revealed thatNew World sparrows formed a distinct clade and thus it was placed in the resurrected family Passerellidae.[3][4]
TheAmerican tree sparrow,Spizelloides arborea, was formerly a member of this group, but is now placed in its ownmonotypic genusSpizelloides.[2]
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| Other | |
