Known as the verdin, Auriparus flaviceps, is a species of penduline tit that lives in the southwestern United States. It is the only species of the genus Auriparus and the sole representative of the old world family Remizidae that may be found in North America, as well as the only species of the genus Auriparus.
Quick Overview: Auriparus Flaviceps- Verdin
Body size: Around 3.5 – 4.5 in (9-11 cm) and a weight of 6 g (0.2 oz)
Main colors: Gray, Black, Yellow, Maroon
Range: Southwestern United States
Migratory Bird: No
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: All Year (January – December)
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Verdin Description
On the upperside, the verdin is ash-gray, while on the underside, it is pale-gray or white. The lores of the head are black and golden, and the head is yellow. In addition, there is a maroon patch on the shoulders. Males have a brighter overall appearance, but youngsters lack the yellow head, black lores, and maroon shoulder patch, and have a simple gray color across their bodies. An extremely tiny bird with a brief and pointed beak as well as a short and rounded tail.
Size
These birds have a length of 3.5 – 4.5 in (9-11 cm) and a weight of 6 g (0.2 oz). Their wings could range from 6.5-7 in (17-18 cm).
Feeding
The verdin’s primary source of nutrition is insects, which are supplemented by nectar, fruits, and seeds from legume plants. Verdins hunt for insects amid the twigs and branches of desert shrubs and trees, darting from branch to branch in search of prey. Also found in residential environments are verdins foraging for nectar from flowers and feeding at hummingbird feeders.
Habitat
The verdin is predominantly found in desert scrub regions, notably in riparian zones and along washes, and it is a threatened species. Verdins prefer thorny scrub over open desert, and they may be found at lower elevations in central Mexico, however, they can also be found at higher elevations.
Behavior
Foraging among living foliage of trees and bushes is preferred by the verdin, who rarely comes into contact with the ground. In order to investigate and acquire leverage when feeding, the verdin would frequently grab flowers and prey with one foot. In order to fly quickly from one limb or from one tree to another, the verdin employs short, rapid flaps.
Auriparus Flaviceps Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Remizidae
- Genus: Auriparus
- Species: Auriparus flaviceps
Best time of the year to see
In the United States, the best time of year to see these birds is all year round, regardless of the season. This refers to any month of the year between January and December.
Distribution of the Verdin in the USA
The verdin can be found in arid parts of southwestern North America, from southern Colorado down into Mexico, throughout Baja California, and along the Gulf of Mexico south to Tamaulipas, according to the National Geographic Society.
The Verdin can be found also in the following states in the United States – Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
