Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)

Verdin, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, California
Photograph by Alan And Elaine Wilson. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

Verdin | Auriparus flaviceps photo

Verdin, Riparian Preserve At The Water Ranch, Gilbert, Arizona
Photograph by Alan And Elaine Wilson. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

VERDIN FACTS

Description
The Verdin is a species of penduline tit, and is one of the smallest perching birds in North America. It is mainly gray with yellow head and a reddish patch on the shoulders. The underside is paler gray. The tail is short and rounded. It has a sharp pointed bill. Male birds are brighter in color. Juvenile birds do not have yellow head or reddish shoulder patches.

Size
length 9cm - 11cm

Environment
desert scrub, thorny brush. Prefers areas near rivers or streams.

Food
mainly insects, also nectar, fruit, berries, seeds.

Breeding
Builds a domed nest in sparse vegetation. Lays three to six blue-green to greenish white eggs. Eggs hatch after 14 to 18 days. Young leave the nest about 17 to 21 days after hatching.

Range
south west North America from south western Colorado to Baja California and along the Gulf of Mexico

Classification

Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Remizidae
Genus:	Auriparus
Species:	flaviceps
Common Name:	Verdin

  HOME
  ANIMAL LISTS
   Mammals
   Reptiles
   Birds
   Insects

BIRDS
Passerines

Non-Passerines: Land

Non-Passerines: Water