Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii), Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Canyon, Santa Cruz County

This Plain-capped Starthroat was found by Jon Curd and Deborah Carney on 20 may 2015 and photographed by Thomas Ford-Hutchinson on 23 May 2016

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. Hard to determine the total number and which individuals are returning, but several were present at this location last year. 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.

23 May 2016, photo by Thomas Ford-Hutchinson

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