Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

Least ConcernCommonInvertebratesShrublandDomed nestTiny · 7 g

About the Verdin

The verdin is a species of penduline tit. It is the only species in the genus Auriparus and the only representative of the Old World family Remizidae to be found in North America.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

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. Juveniles have a light gray body without the rufous shoulder patch and yellow head. The base of the short bill is thick by the head, and draws to a sharp point at the tip. Voice: Little is known about geographic or individual variation in vocalizations. Verdins produce a variety of calls, loud for their size. The typical call note is a repetitive "tschep" sound repeated in rapid staccato. In Texas, rapid "chip-chip-chip" calls have been observed, all at the same pitch and at the same speed in each call series.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Eurasian Penduline Tit vs Verdin

Learn the Verdin for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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