From Opus

Auriparus flaviceps

Photo by C_J - Way Out West
Photo taken: Tucson, Arizona .

[edit] Identification

The Verdin is a very small bird. At 4.5 inches in length, it rivals the Bushtit as one of the smallest passerines in North America. It is gray overall, and adults have a bright yellow head and rufous "shoulder patch" (the lesser coverts). Unlike the tits, it has a sharply pointed bill.

[edit] Distribution

Verdins are permanent residents of the southwestern United States and Mexico, ranging from southeastern California to Texas, throughout Baja California and into central Mexico. Almost never a vagrant even to nearby areas but amazingly recorded once in West Virginia.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) is a species of penduline tit. It is the only species in the genus Auriparus, and the only species in the family to be found in the New World.

[edit] Habitat

Desert trees and scrubs.

[edit] Behaviour

Verdins are insectivorous, continuously foraging. They are usually solitary except when they pair up to construct their conspicuous nests.

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