Bird GuideHummingbirdsPlain-capped Starthroat
Plain-capped Starthroat
Heliomaster constantii

At a Glance

A native of dry forest in Mexico and Central America, this big hummingbird strays northward into Arizona on occasion. Here it usually occurs in lowland areas near streams or in the open lower areas of canyons; most records have been in summer. Despite the evocative name of 'Starthroat,' the throat color is very hard to see without perfect lighting, and the bird usually looks quite dull overall.
Category
Hummingbirds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Arroyos and Canyons, Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets
Behavior
Hovering, Rapid Wingbeats

Range & Identification

Description

5" (12.5 cm). Large, long-billed, drab hummingbird (red on throat seldom obvious). Has broad white whisker mark, white tuft near base of wings. White rump patch distinctive (but beware partial albinos of other hummer species).
Size
About the size of a Sparrow
Wing Shape
Narrow, Short
Tail Shape
Notched, Rounded, Square-tipped

Songs and Calls

Chipping calls

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status