Kingdom Animalia Scientific name Auriparus flaviceps Higher classification Auriparus Order Passerine | Family Remizidae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Genus Auriparus
S.F. Baird, 1864 Similar Bird, Black‑tailed gnatcatcher, American bushtit, Phainopepla, Black‑throated sparrow | ||
Verdin singing
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.
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The verdin is a very small bird. At 4.5 in (11 cm) in length, it rivals the American 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.
Verdins are insectivorous, continuously foraging among the desert trees and scrubs. They are usually solitary except when they pair up to construct their conspicuous nests. Verdins occasionally try to obtain tidbits of dried sugar water from hummingbird feeders.
Verdins are permanent residents of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, ranging from southeastern California to Texas, throughout Baja California and into central Mexico, north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.
Verdin
