Passer
in ornithology, a genus of Fringillidæ, which in many classifications has been allowed to lapse. According to Brisson, the generic characters are: Bill rounded, almost hidden by projecting and below; nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, almost hidden by projecting tenuated, but distinctly developed; third straight. First primary small and aterate, nearly square. Tarsus stout, or fourth rather the longest. Tail moderate, nearly square. Tarsus stout, nearly as long as the middle toe. Claws moderately curved, rather short. Professor Newton makes the house sparrow P. domesticus and the tree sparrow P. montanus.
In the plural, Passeriformes, Insessores, an order of Aves, now generally placed first, and including the great mass of the smaller birds-crows, finches, flycatchers, creepers, etc.