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Auriparus flaviceps
This is a relatively small bird, about 4 inches + in length. It has a yellow head, and gray body with a red spot on the fore edge of the wing, as pictured.
This Verdin was spotted in an urban area…lawns, various trees (mostly pine), and gardens. The surrounding area is the Mojave Desert, in Nevada. These birds, according to online sources, like to forage in mesquite and creosote scrub, which is abundant in the area. This verdin frequently visits our hummingbird feeder at all times of the year. It perches on the feeder top, and maneuvers itself to lick around the feeding tubes to access the nectar. It sometimes acrobatically hangs upside down, to better access the dried nectar on the sides and bottom of the feeder.
Per references I checked, verdins are found in the US only in the southern tip of Nevada, down through Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Its main habitat goes south into the Baja, and into Mexico down to Central America. It has adapted well to the summer heat. They build nests separately for both breeding and roosting. The roosting nests are much smaller…which help it stay warm in the winter, and are built facing into prevailing winds, presumably to keep it cool in the summer.
12 Comments
Thanks Neil and Antonio!
An excellent spotting, Jim. Congrats on your SOTD.
The SOTD made my day...much appreciated!
Awesome capture Jim,congrats on the well deserved SOTD and thanks for sharing
Congrats Jim, this beautiful Verdin is our Spotting of the Day!
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Thanks Triggs and Karen!
Great series and notes Jim. These guys still on my bucket list.
On my wish list - lucky you!
Thanks guys!
Love these! I've only seen one of these guys and didn't get any photos
What a stunning image Jim! And great notes as usual.
Beautiful pictures, they almost look like paintings :)