In the following passage, choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete the sentence: “The woodpeckers of the West (with one exception) are different from those of the East, and so are the flycatchers, the grosbeaks, the orioles, the tanagers, the humming birds, ______ many of the sparrows.”

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on conjunctions, which are words used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in English. The sentence describes several groups of birds and then extends the list by mentioning sparrows. To choose the correct conjunction, we need to understand how lists are formed and how ideas are linked smoothly in a single sentence. Here, the purpose is not to show contrast or cause, but simply to add another similar item to an existing list.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We are given the sentence: “The woodpeckers of the West (with one exception) are different from those of the East, and so are the flycatchers, the grosbeaks, the orioles, the tanagers, the humming birds, ______ many of the sparrows.”
We must choose one conjunction that best completes the blank.
The sentence already lists several types of birds in a series.
We assume the style is formal descriptive English, typical of nature writing or geography texts.

Concept / Approach:
When we extend a simple list of similar items, we usually use the conjunction “and” before the final item. The previous parts of the sentence mention various birds: flycatchers, grosbeaks, orioles, tanagers, and humming birds. The phrase “many of the sparrows” is simply one more category in this same group. There is no contrast (which would require “but”), no cause and effect (which would suggest “because”), and no condition (which might take “if”). Therefore, the natural choice to join the last item in the list to the others is “and.”

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the grammatical role of the blank. It connects “the humming birds” with “many of the sparrows.” Step 2: Note that both elements belong to one list of bird groups, all treated equally. Step 3: Recall that in English lists, “and” is normally used before the final item: “A, B, C, and D.” Step 4: Insert “and”: “... the humming birds, and many of the sparrows.” The sentence now reads smoothly. Step 5: Check whether any of the other conjunctions fit the sense and grammar. They do not express the required additive relationship.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify the answer, read the sentence using each option. “Because many of the sparrows” would wrongly introduce a reason, which the sentence does not need. “But many of the sparrows” would suggest a contrast with humming birds, which is not intended. “If many of the sparrows” would introduce a condition, which again is not part of the original idea. Only “and many of the sparrows” continues the simple list of bird types in a natural, grammatical manner.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“because” introduces a cause or reason, but the sentence is not explaining why something happens; it is simply listing birds.
“but” shows contrast, yet there is no contrast between humming birds and sparrows in the passage.
“if” introduces a condition or possibility, which does not match the straightforward descriptive tone of the sentence.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes overthink such questions and imagine a hidden cause or contrast where none exists. Another common error is ignoring the structure of lists and the typical use of “and” before the last item. Remember that in descriptive passages, especially those listing similar things, the simple conjunction “and” is often the safest and most appropriate option.

Final Answer:
The correct conjunction is and, so the complete phrase is “the humming birds, and many of the sparrows.”