hummingbirds. Belonging to family Sphingidae, known as hummingbird hawk-moths. Another are hummingbird clearwing moths, belonging to different genus, but same family. Time of day when seen helps narrow down to more likely one of former and sphinx moths (crepuscular-dusk/dawn and nocturnal) Out west may encounter nectar feeding bats, larger than most North American hummingbirds. The moths being smaller
Most have retractable proboscis, that when extended to feed on
flower nectar, makes the moths look even more like a hummingbird.
When retracted, proboscis can hardly be seen. Below are comparison
I made of a male Ruby-throated hummingbird on the left, and a sphinx moth on the right. General profile, posture, especially the tail, similar.
Proboscis is retracted on the moth.
Get a picture or video. Pretty obvious differences between a bird and a bug! And yes - hummingbirds always have long beaks to get to the nectar in flowers.
Bat maybe? Birds don't usually fly at night, but bats do.
Hi . It will be a Hummingbird Moth there are many types .
I was out on my patio this evening and there was this bug or bird flying around these flowers by the patio. It looks like a humming bird, but its black & doesn't have the long thin beak or whatever it is. I saw something like this, this time last year. Has anyone else seen or know what it is? It freaked me out, it flew at me a few times.
