Merlin
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Verdin Identification

Verdin Adult
Adult

Tiny desert bird with a yellow head and chestnut shoulder patches (not always visible).

© Dan Vickers | Macaulay LibraryArizona, April 23, 2017
Verdin Juvenile
Juvenile

Juveniles are pale gray overall and lack the adult's yellow head and chestnut shoulder patches. The short bill is thicker at the base and finely pointed at the tip.

© marcel finlay | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 30, 2017
Verdin Adult
Adult

Flits quickly among twigs of desert shrubs to forage for insects.

© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 22, 2013
Verdin Adult
Adult

Small and delicate songbird with a small, sharply pointed bill. Adults have a yellow head and chestnut shoulder patches.

© Michael O'Brien | Macaulay LibraryBaja California Sur, March 07, 2009
Verdin Adult
Adult

Tiny pale gray bird of the desert with a yellow head. Chestnut shoulder patches may not always be visible.

© Eric Ellingson | Macaulay LibraryArizona, February 18, 2017
Verdin Juvenile
Juvenile

Juveniles are pale gray overall and lack the yellow head of adults. The bill is yellow, especially when very young.

© Jim Hully | Macaulay LibraryArizona, May 01, 2016
Verdin Habitat
Habitat

Found in desert scrub, especially along washes with thorny vegetation.

© Mark Benson | Macaulay LibraryArizona, July 24, 2015
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Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Gray body.
  • Yellow face.

Immature Description

Plain gray, including face. Base of bill pinkish yellow.
Relative Size

Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm)
    • Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-8 g)

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