- Auriparus flaviceps
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.
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.
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.
Habitat
Desert trees and scrubs.
Behaviour
Verdins are insectivorous, continuously foraging. They are usually solitary except when they pair up to construct their conspicuous nests.
