Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Patagonia, Santa Cruz County

This Plain-capped Starthroat was found and photographed by Randy Moore on 10 September 2015

A Plain-capped Starthroat was also nearby at the Paton Center on 29 September; there is a strong likelihood that the two are the same birds based on the rarity of this species at this location, although the photograph from the Paton Center appears to show a bolder white eye-stripe.

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. Whereas most birds seen in Arizona have been in wing molt possibly following the rains north to molt, this bird shows no sign of flight feather molt, although it is showing moderate body molt.

Large size, very large white malar and line behind the eye as well as on the rump.

10 September 2015, photo by Randy Moore

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