Birds › Desert scrub › Verdin

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

One of the smallest songbirds in North America. It builds a ball-shaped nest of thorny twigs and uses extra ones to sleep in.

Where to see it for real: Thorny shrubs like mesquite and a hummingbird feeder.

Spot it in the game

Lives in the Desert scrub habitat (Sonoran Desert, Arizona and Mexico).

Verdin facts

Family

Penduline-tits

Length

4.3 in (11 cm)

Wingspan

6.3 in (16 cm)

Weight

0.2 oz (7 g)

Diet

Insects and spiders, plus nectar and berries.

Range

Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Nest

A ball of thorny twigs with a side entrance, in a thorny shrub.

Song

Clear whistled "tee-tee-tee" notes and sharp "chip" calls.

Active

by day

Status

Least Concern on the IUCN Red List: widespread and not at risk.

What the Verdin sounds like

How to attract the Verdin

Feeder foods, favorite first: nectar. Feeders that hold them: nectar feeder. Keep a bird bath full, too.

In the game: fill a feeder with nectar and keep the bird bath full. It is a common visitor.

More: bird songs and calls, what to feed birds.

More birds of the desert scrub

Greater RoadrunnerDesert scrubCactus WrenDesert scrubGambel's QuailDesert scrubGila WoodpeckerDesert scrubCurve-billed ThrasherDesert scrubPhainopeplaDesert scrub