Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Paton's Yard, Santa Cruz County

This Plain-capped Starthroat was discovered on 4 September 2010 by Michael Marsden and photographed by Andrew Core, Charles Melton and Christie Van Cleve on 06 September 2010

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. There was a starthroat at the Paton's in September 2008 and two in Patagonia in 2009.

Large, long-billed Hummingbird with a white rump.

06 September 2010, photo by Andrew Core

06 September 2010, photo by Charles Melton

06 September 2010, photo by Christie Van Cleve

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer