Quick Answers
Hummingbirds and hummingbird moths can be easily confused at first glance due to their similar sizes and behaviors. However, there are some key differences to look for:
- Wings – Hummingbirds have small wings that beat very quickly, while hummingbird moths have larger wings that flap more slowly.
- Antennae – Hummingbird moths have long, noticeable antennae, while hummingbirds do not have antennae.
- Feeding – Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks used for drinking nectar, while hummingbird moths have a coiled proboscis (like a straw) to drink nectar.
- Resting – Hummingbirds perch on branches and wires, while hummingbird moths hover in front of flowers.
- Time of day – Hummingbirds are active during the day, while hummingbird moths are most active at dawn and dusk.
Paying attention to these differences will help you reliably tell hummingbirds and hummingbird moths apart. Now let’s explore this comparison in more detail.
Appearance Differences
Hummingbirds and hummingbird moths share a remarkably similar appearance – they are both small, plump-bodied, with long beaks or proboscises for drinking nectar. They also both hover in front of flowers. However, a closer look reveals some telling physical differences:
Wings
Hummingbird wings are relatively short and narrow. They beat at an incredibly fast rate, typically around 50-80 beats per second depending on the species. This rapid fluttering allows hummingbirds to precisely hover and maneuver in front of flowers. The wings are mostly transparent.
Hummingbird moth wings are longer and broader in proportion to their body size. They flap at a slower rate, around 12 beats per second. The wings are opaque with coloration patterns. When hovering, the moth’s wings may be moving too fast to see the patterns clearly.
Antennae
Hummingbirds lack antennae. Hummingbird moths have two long, thin antennae protruding from their heads. The antennae may exceed the moth’s own body length. The antennae are a sure sign that you are looking at a moth rather than a bird.
Beaks vs. Proboscis
Hummingbirds have slender, pointed beaks that are slightly downcurved. Their tongues are specially adapted to lap up nectar while hovering.
Hummingbird moths have a long proboscis that is coiled under their head when not in use. The proboscis unrolls into a very long straw-like tube that the moth inserts deep into flowers to drink nectar. When not feeding, it coils back up again.
| Feature | Hummingbird | Hummingbird Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | Small, narrow, transparent, very fast beat | Larger, broad, colored patterns, slower flap |
| Antennae | None | Two long, thin antennae |
| Beak/Proboscis | Slender pointed beak | Long coiled proboscis like a straw |
Behavioral Differences
In addition to physical features, there are some key differences in how hummingbirds and hummingbird moths behave:
Feeding
As mentioned, both hummingbirds and moths feed on liquid nectar from flowers. However, the details of how they access the nectar differ:
– Hummingbirds use their specialized beaks and tongues to lap up nectar while hovering in front of the flower. Their hover tends to be very stable.
– Hummingbird moths insert their long proboscises deep into the flower while hovering. Their flight while feeding tends to be a bit more erratic compared to the hummingbird’s smooth, stable hover.
Resting
When they are not actively feeding, hummingbirds and moths take different approaches to resting:
– Hummingbirds perch on branches, wires, or other surfaces to rest their flight muscles. They may return to the same favorite perches repeatedly.
– Hummingbird moths rarely perch during the day. They prefer to hover in front of flowers, and then simply fly off and hover elsewhere. They have weak legs that are not suited for perching.
Time of Day
Hummingbirds are active during daylight hours. They may start feeding as early as first light.
Hummingbird moths are most active at dawn and dusk. They tend to be relatively inactive during the hottest part of the day, when they may take shelter in shrubs or trees. However, they can sometimes be spotted feeding even in daylight hours.
So in summary, while hummingbird moths do fly about and feed during daytime, they are most abundant at dawn and dusk. Hummingbirds are much more reliably active throughout the daylight hours.
| Behavior | Hummingbird | Hummingbird Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding Method | Hover with beak inside flower | Hover with proboscis inserted in flower |
| Resting Posture | Perches on branches, wires etc. | Hovers or flies between flowers |
| Active Time of Day | All daylight hours | Mostly dawn and dusk |
Range and Distribution
Understanding the normal ranges and distributions of hummingbirds versus hummingbird moths can also help clarify a sighting:
Hummingbirds
There are over 300 species of hummingbirds that live exclusively in the Americas. Different hummingbird species are found:
– In the United States and Canada during summer months, along migration routes, or year-round depending on species and latitude.
– In Central America and Mexico year-round.
– In South America year-round.
No wild hummingbirds live natively anywhere else in the world. Any sighting on another continent is likely an escaped pet.
Hummingbird Moths
Hummingbird moths are found on every continent except Antarctica. While over 1000 species have been identified globally, some of the most common in North America include:
– White-lined sphinx moth: Throughout United States and Mexico.
– Five-spotted hawk moth: Throughout United States.
– Snowberry clearwing moth: Western United States and Canada.
– Nessus sphinx moth: Southwest United States.
So while hummingbirds are strictly New World birds, hummingbird moths can be found in most regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Keeping track of your location when seeing one of these insects can help confirm it is indeed a moth.
Conclusion
At a quick glance, it’s easy to mistake a hummingbird moth for a tiny hovering hummingbird. But looking closely at the differences in wings, antennae, beaks/proboscis, behavior, activity patterns, and distributions will help reliably distinguish between the two. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tell at a single look whether that zipping creature is avian or insect. The variety of hummingbird moths adds an extra bit of magic to gardens and landscapes that hummingbirds also frequent. Keeping your eye out for both will only bring more delight as you appreciate the wonder of nature.
