Verdin is a color that resembles the greenish-yellow hue of the yellow-billed cardinal’s plumage. The verdin bird has bright yellow feathers on its belly, head, and wings contrasted by gray feathers on its back. The specific color verdin refers to the vibrant yellow parts of the bird’s plumage. Let’s explore more details about this unique color name and the little songbird that inspired it.
What is a Verdin?
A verdin is a small songbird native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The scientific name for this bird species is Auriparus flaviceps. Verdins belong to the Remizidae family of penduline tits and chickadees.
Some key facts about verdins:
- Size: 4.5-5 inches long with a 7-8 inch wingspan
- Coloring: Gray back, yellow head/belly, brown/black tail
- Habitat: Desert scrub, chaparral, woodlands
- Range: Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
- Diet: Insects, spiders, berries, nectar
- Lifespan: 7 years in wild
- Nest: Cup nest in low thorny shrub or cactus
The verdin gets its name from its bright golden yellow head and underside. ‘Verdin’ means ‘yellowish’ in French. These little yellow songbirds are very social and travel in flocks or family groups of up to 30 birds.
Verdin Color Description
So what exactly does verdin as a color look like? Here are some details about the distinctive verdin bird coloration:
- Front and crown of head: Bright golden yellow
- Face: Yellow-orange
- Chin and upper throat: Pale yellow fading to white
- Belly and undertail: Brilliant yellow
- Back: Gray-brown
- Wings: Olive-gray with yellow edging on feathers
- Tail: Brownish-black
- Beak: Black
- Legs and feet: Fleshy pink
So verdin contains a vivid yellow as well as olive gray tones. It is brighter and more saturated than mustard yellow. Verdin has a greenish tint compared to lemon or canary yellow.
When describing the verdin color, some similar shades are:
- Canary yellow
- Goldenrod
- Saffron
- Jonquil
- Sunflower
- Corn
Verdin contains stronger yellow pigments than celadon, buttercream, or buff. It is a warm, radiant yellow with slight olive undertones.
Verdin Color Codes
If you want to use the specific verdin shade in design, artwork or products, here are some suggested color codes:
- Hex code: #E9BF5A
- RGB values: R 233, G 191, B 90
- CMYK values: C 0, M 18, Y 61, K 9
- Pantone: 7409 C
These standard web and print color formats allow you to utilize the verdin color with precision. The hex code above provides the closest approximation to the true verdin hue.
Where to See Verdins
If you want to see verdin birds and their yellow plumage up close, plan a trip to their desert habitat in the American Southwest. Here are some top places to spot verdins in the wild:
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California
- Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
- New Mexico deserts
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
- Southern Utah parks like Snow Canyon or Zion
Verdins tend to stay close to stands of shrubs and small trees like palo verde, ironwood, mesquite and acacia. Watch for them flitting through the branches or perched on top calling to each other. Listen for their raspy chattering notes.
Verdins are year-round residents of the southwest deserts. But they are also sociable birds that don’t mind human company. Look for them in backyards, parks and even hotel grounds with suitable scrubby, thorny landscaping.
Fun Facts About Verdins
Here are some interesting tidbits to know about these yellow songbirds:
- They rub ants against their feathers – it is thought the ants’ secretions act as a natural insect repellent!
- Verdins can survive body temperatures up to 112°F which helps them endure intense desert heat.
- They give a high-pitched “seee” call to stay in contact with their flock.
- Verdins build small cup nests high in cacti for protection from predators.
- They forage very actively and can hang upside-down like chickadees.
- Groups roost together at night and cluster into tight balls to conserve body heat.
- Verdin flocks maintain and defend winter foraging territories.
Verdins are tough little birds adapted to thrive in harsh desert environments. Their bright yellow plumage stands out against the drab desert backdrop.
Using Verdin in Design
The radiant verdin yellow can add a lively, sunny touch to all kinds of design projects. Here are some ideas if you’d like to incorporate this nature-inspired color:
- Use verdin yellow as an accent color in interior paint or decor
- Choose verdin yellow flowers like tulips, lilies or gerbera daisies for floral arrangements
- Select verdin-hued graphic patterns for invitations, websites or signs
- Paint an artsy abstract canvas with verdin yellow brushstrokes
- Add a verdin yellow accent wall or front door to a home exterior
- Style wedding centerpieces with verdin yellow roses and gray-green foliage
This bright shade brings warmth, vitality and cheerfulness wherever it’s used. Verdin yellow works beautifully with a range of cool neutrals like white, beige, gray and sage green.
Conclusion
Verdin is a distinctive color inspired by a little desert songbird. The verdin bird lives in the arid American Southwest and Northern Mexico. Male and female verdins have vibrant golden yellow plumage on their heads, chests and bellies. This sunny yellow contrasted with soft gray feathers on the back gives us the color verdin.
This radiant yellow-green is slightly darker and more olive-toned than pure yellow. It has a bit of an earthy, retro feel. Verdin works well in home decor, graphic design, fashion and any project where you want to inject a splash of vitality. Spotting verdins in native habitats like the Sonoran Desert is a rewarding birdwatching adventure. Their bright yellow plumage certainly stands out! Whether you see verdins themselves or just use their color, you’ll appreciate this little bird and its big impact.
