Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Spirit Tree Inn, Harshaw Creek Rd, Patagonia, AZ, Santa Cruz County

This Plain-capped Starthroat was discovered on 10 August by Damon Schaffer at The Spirit Tree Inn on Harshaw Creek Road in Patagonia.  It was photographed by Chris West on 12 August 2009.

Plain-capped Starthroat is normally resident from southern Sonora, Mexico to northern Costa Rica. It strays casually to southern Arizona in summer and early fall, chiefly to elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. There are fewer than 20 records for the state.  While birders most often find them at feeders, the species prefers hawking insects to taking nectar. They are also attracted to blooming century plants. The first Arizona (and U.S.) record was at a Nogales feeder, 20-30 September 1969.

Overall large hummingbird. White on the back, long bill, white eye stripe and malar, red gorget, "plain" colored cap. Long wings, primary extension even with the tail. Gray chest and belly, greenish back. dark wings.

12 August 2009, photo by Chris West