Spizella

The genus Spizella is a group of American sparrows in the family Passerellidae.

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 the nesting season they often forage in small mixed flocks.

Systematics
This genus was formerly placed with the Old World buntings in the family Emberizidae. However, genetic studies revealed that New World sparrows formed a distinct clade and thus it was placed in the resurrected family Passerellidae.

Species

 * Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
 * Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida
 * Brewer's sparrow, Spizella breweri
 * Timberline sparrow, Spizella breweri taverneri
 * Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla
 * Worthen's sparrow, Spizella wortheni
 * Black-chinned sparrow, Spizella atrogularis

The American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea, was formerly a member of this group, but is now placed in its own monotypic genus Spizelloides.