Scientific Name: Auriparus flaviceps
Residency: Year-round through all of the state except the Northeast corner. 
Diet:  Mainly insects, but small spiders, berries, small fruits and seeds are sometimes eaten.

Predators:  Adults and juveniles are taken by Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper's Hawks.   Nests are preyed upon by Loggerhead Shrikes, Scrub-Jays, and most likley the coachwhip snake. 
Nesting: Verdin are likely to build their nests in a Blue Palo Verde (or in another palo verde tree), in a Catclaw Acacia, or in a Velvet Mesquite tree. The male may build many bulky twig nests before the female chooses the one she wants.  The female will lay 3-6 pale green eggs with red-brown dots.  The nests are large and oval or spherical. They are placed far out on branches, and may last many years in the desert environment.
Nesting Records: Scottsdale Community College, Coon Bluff, and Brown's Ranch.
Notes: Verdin populations are declining through much of its range, probably due to habitat loss caused by land development.
Photo: Photo at right was taken at Scottsdale Community College on April 18, 2003. For more photos click on camera icon.

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