How to Identify Hummingbird Moths

Hummingbirds can be exciting to see, but sometimes you might not be looking at a bird at all. Hummingbird moths are fantastic imposters that can look strikingly similar to the popular birds. So knowing what to look for can help you tell the difference between the large insects and the tiny birds. Read on to learn more about hummingbird moth identification.

About Hummingbird Moths

The term "hummingbird moth" is applied to many medium to large moths in the Sphingidae family and the Hemaris genus of moths. There are more than 1,200 species of these moths worldwide, and roughly 125 of them are in North America. These insects are also called hawk moths, sphinx moths, clearwing moths, bee moths, and bee-hawk moths. And, in the caterpillar stage, they are called hornworms.

Similiar Characteristics

Hummingbird moths share many common characteristics with hummingbirds:

• Pollinators: Both of these creatures are effective pollinators of many of the same flowers, and hummingbird moths also sip nectar from many of the same blooms that hummingbirds prefer. The moths sometimes even visit nectar feeders meant for hummingbirds.
• Body shapes and colors: Their body shapes are also similar. These moths can also have brightly colored bodies similar to those of hummingbirds.
• Flying abilities: Hummingbird moths are agile fliers that can hover, fly sideways, and fly backward just like hummingbirds. Plus, their wings make a blur in the air just like flying hummingbirds, even creating a humming noise.

The many similarities between hummingbirds and hummingbird moths are a case of convergent evolution. Both the birds and the insects developed these characteristics independently through eons of evolution, and they both fill similar ecological niches. However, birders who know what to look for can easily learn to distinguish between these moths and the birds they mimic.

More Identification Tips

Although hummingbird moths and hummingbirds seem quite similar, there are many differences to look for to tell them apart.

Size

• Hummingbird moths: Hummingbird moths are distinctly smaller than hummingbirds, averaging only 1 to 2 inches in body length. At first, inexperienced birders might assume that hummingbird moths are baby hummingbirds. However, baby hummingbirds cannot fly and do not leave their nests until they are nearly adult size.
• Hummingbirds: These birds are commonly 3 to 4 inches in body length.

Antennae

• Hummingbird moths: The insects have two very long, obvious antennae on their head, and those antennae can be thicker at the end than at the base.
• Hummingbirds: While some hummingbirds have crests, or tufts of feathers on their heads, no North American species do. And hummingbird plumes don't typically face forward in a distinct pair like moth antennae. A crested hummingbird will have just one central feather plume.

Wing Color

• Hummingbird moths: Many moths have bold patterns and colors on their wings, such as stripes and spots. Moths can even have transparent sections to their wings. Moths also sometimes have their wings spread while perched.
• Hummingbirds: The birds typically have plain wings, and no sections are transparent. Hummingbirds fold their wings when they land.

Legs

• Hummingbird moths: The insects have six legs that often dangle as they fly and feed.
• Hummingbirds: The birds have two legs that are much tinier and inconspicuous, especially in flight when they are tucked tightly to the bird's body for better aerodynamics.

Body Shape

• Hummingbird moths: The moths have thick, barrel-shaped bodies that have a furry look.
• Hummingbirds: The birds have a more tapered, delicate shape, particularly when viewed in profile. The abdomen can be thick, but its head and tail are much more tapered than a moth's. Hummingbird bodies are sleek and smooth.

Bill Shape

• Hummingbird moths: Moths don't have bills. Their tongues are curled up when the moth is not feeding. When extended, the tongues can have a distinct curve or curl.
• Hummingbirds: Their bills are slim and needle-like, but they generally have a slightly thicker base. While some hummingbirds have downward-curved bills, the curve is smooth, and the bill itself doesn't change length in mature birds.

Rump Pattern

• Hummingbird moths: Many insects, including hummingbird moths, have multiple thick bars or obvious wide patches across the abdomen and rump.
• Hummingbirds: While some hummingbirds do have different colors on the rump and tail, their color patterns are not as bold as hummingbird moths. And they can be very difficult to see.

Tail Shape and Action

• Hummingbird moths: These moths typically only have short, blunt tails that can have a furry or fuzzy appearance. Insects nearly always open their tails to a short fan but without any active pumping motions.
• Hummingbirds: Their tails come in many shapes, from simple, blunt tails to long, streaming ones. Birds can hold their tails still or fan or pump them while hovering and feeding.

Flocks

• Hummingbird moths: These moths are likely to travel together and show no aggression toward other moths. Hummingbird moths are much less likely to fly away if approached by humans.
• Hummingbirds: Though hummingbirds are more aggressive than moths, you may see flocks of them gathering at feeding areas. It is, however, more common to see them alone. Hummingbirds are generally wary of humans and will leave quickly when approached.

Habitats

• Hummingbird moths: These bugs are generally more commonly found in gardens and suburbs. The exact range and habitat depend on the species, though hummingbird moths are found worldwide.
• Hummingbirds: They use widely varied habitats, and are still found often in wilder, less-developed locations. Hummingbirds are only found in the Western Hemisphere.

Activity Time

Both hummingbirds and hummingbird moths often feed during twilight.

• Hummingbird moths: Some are active during the day, but mostly they are nocturnal creatures, and you'll likely see them flying at night.
• Hummingbirds: They are diurnal, meaning they're active during the day and sleep at night.

Flower Preference

Both of these creatures sip nectar from a wide range of flowers.

• Hummingbird moths: Many hummingbird moths prefer pale blooms.
• Hummingbirds: Richer, brighter colors are more likely to attract hummingbirds, depending on which flowers are locally available.