Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Catalina Foothills, Pima County

This Plain-capped Starthroat was found by a Tucson resident on 7 July and photographed by Virginia Fairchild on 14 July 2015 and Brandon K Percival on 17 July 2015. Plain-capped Starthroats are much more regular farther south, so it is likely that all these reports represent the same individual.

Rare summer visitor to SE Arizona. Becoming more regular, annual since 2007. Most records of Plain-capped Starthroat in Arizona come from the numerous feeding stations at middle elevations in the southeast region of the state, and most have occurred from late June through September. There are few records for Tucson. Most birds have been in wing molt possibly following the rains north to molt; this bird is also showing tail molt. Some reports may be of returning birds. This one is very close to the starthroat photographed in Pima Canyon Estates on 8 May 2015.

Large size, very large white malar, white on lower back and rump; long, slightly decurved bill.

14 July 2015, photo by Virginia Fairchild

 

17 July 2015, photo by Brandon K Percival

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