Verdin

Related Resources Bushtit Types of Birds

There are only a handful of birds in the United States you can photograph, and be assured you have the family covered. Verdins, like Bushtits, are one such bird. Verdins are also the only member in their genus, Auriparus flaviceps.

They are members of the Penduline-tit family (Remizidae). Bushtits are members of the family Aegithalidae. Both are related to the members of the true tit family Paridae, which includes chickadees and titmice.

The pictures show the Verdin shares some similarities with both true tits and long-tailed tits.

Generally all the tit-like birds are small and active birds with short bills. Because they are so active, photographing one requires some patience.

The Verdin's yellow head is the basic field identification mark. Adults also have a reddish patch at the top of the wing.

They are found in the desert Southwest from California to western Texas. Their diet varies with their habitat, but mostly consists of insects.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels