Penduline tits (Remizidae)

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps. Insects and nectar.

Penduline tits (Remizidae)VerdinAuriparus flaviceps
Scientific name
Auriparus flaviceps
Length
3.9–4.3 in
Weight
0.2 oz
Nest
Ball of thorny twigs in desert shrubs
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
3–6 eggs
Incubation
14–18 days
Broods
2 per season

Identification

  • Tiny grey with a yellow head
  • Rusty shoulder patch
  • Sharp bill

Voice

Sharp 'tschip' and 'tee-tee-tee'.

Diet and feeding

Verdins by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
ArizonaYear-round residentFebruary–June
CaliforniaYear-round residentFebruary–June
NevadaYear-round residentMarch–June
New MexicoYear-round residentMarch–June
TexasYear-round residentFebruary–June
UtahYear-round residentMarch–June

Frequently asked

What do verdins eat?

Insects and nectar. At feeders: nectar, suet.

How big is a Verdin?

3.9–4.3 in long and 0.2 oz.

Do verdins use birdhouses?

No. Ball of thorny twigs in desert shrubs.

Sources

  1. Verdin — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Verdin life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Verdin — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.