V is for VERDIN

The VERDIN (Auriparus flaviceps) is a species of penduline tit.  It is the only species in the genus Auriparus, and the only species in the family to be found in the New World.  It is a very small bird. At 4.5 inches in length, it rivals the American Bushtit as one of the smallest passerines in North America. It is grey overall, and adults have a bright yellow head and rufous "shoulder patch"(the lesser coverts). Unlike the tits. it has a sharply pointed bill.

Verdins are insectivorous, continuously foraging among the desert trees and scrubs.  They are usually solitary except when they pair up to construct their conspicuous nest.  Verdins occasionally try to obtain tidbits of dried sugar water from hummingbird feeders.

Verdins are permanent residents of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, ranging from southeastern California to Texas. throughout Baja California and into central Mexico, north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

An acrobatic species, the Verdin is generally solitary away from nest sites.  It is most easily detected by its surprisingly loud calls.   The nest is an intricately woven ball of spiderwebs and small twigs.  The male often builds several structures during the nesting season; both sexes roost in these year-round.

Another interesting little bird of which I knew nothing.  I do so enjoy learning about species of birds and animals in other parts of the world.