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

These Plain-capped Starthroat were found by Steve Tracey and Chris Benesh and photographed by Brian Walsh on 08 July 2014 and Ken Murphy on 09 July 2014

The first starthroat was initially reported by Steve Tracey on 28 June. Two birds were photographed together by Chris Benesh on 8 July.

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. Some reports may be of the same bird wandering or returning birds.

Large dull colored hummingbird, long bill, bold white and dark facial markings, grayish gorget narrow at chin with dark red near bottom, whitish midline on grayish underparts, white tipped tail feathers, white on lower back and rump

08 July 2014, photo by Brian Walsh

09 July 2014, photo by Ken Murphy

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