Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Private residence in lower Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County

This Plain-capped Starthroat was photographed by Charles Melton on 03 July 2011 coming to feeders at a private residence in lower Miller Canyon.

There are 19 accepted records of Plain-capped Starthroat with one additional record pending with the Arizona Bird Committee.  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. 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.

03 July 2011, photo by Charles Melton

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