Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

VERDIN.

746. Auriparus flaviceps. 4½ inches.

Range.—Colorado and southern California to Mexico. This bird is simply nothing more than a [Bush-tit] with his Sunday clothes on, or not a full suit, but a bright yellow head and neck dress. They are abundant and active little fellows in the thick chaparral brush, where they build a nest more bulky than the “tit” but not as artistic or compact. They are placed in thorn or other bushes within a few feet of the ground, made of twigs and weeds, and lined with fur and feathers. Their eggs, four to six, are white. For amusement, they construct one or two additional nests, in which they remain at night.