Tag: Phoenix

Verdin fledgling and dad.

Auriparus flaviceps, on the National Trail, South Mountain Preserve, in Phoenix, Arizona. 

I watched this little bird, along with two nest-mates, pestering its father (at left in the bottom photo) for food. Verdin fledglings continue to seek food for about three weeks after leaving their nests. Father birds assume responsibility for this extended feeding, allowing mother birds to nourish themselves in advance of laying the next brood. 

In the top photo the fledgling’s beak and fleshy gape are still a bright orange-red. The color is thought to stimulate the parents’ feeding response. The gape will shrink and the beak will darken as the newbie ages.  

Verdin fledgling and dad.

Auriparus flaviceps, on the National Trail, South Mountain Preserve, in Phoenix, Arizona. 

I watched this little bird, along with two nest-mates, pestering its father (at left in the bottom photo) for food. Verdin fledglings continue to seek food for about three weeks after leaving their nests. Father birds assume responsibility for this extended feeding, allowing mother birds to nourish themselves in advance of laying the next brood. 

In the top photo the fledgling’s beak and fleshy gape are still a bright orange-red. The color is thought to stimulate the parents’ feeding response. The gape will shrink and the beak will darken as the newbie ages.