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 United States. Verdin is a very small bird. At 4.5 inches in length, it rivals the Bushtit as one of the smallest passerines in North America. Verdin are usually found in brush desert, semiarid lowlands, and mesquite. I've seen a number of Verdin in the yard over the last few years. This photo was taken in mid April of 2011.