Most people who live in the Sierra Nevada region or who visit regularly are probably familiar with colorful, energetic, and aerially impressive hummingbirds. Ranging across the foothills and mountains, the Anna’s, black-chinned, calliope, Costa’s, and rufous are various species of hummingbirds that dazzle and delight.
But even casual birders who may not be paying close attention can be duped into believing they are watching a hummingbird feeding on nectar in flowers – when in reality, they’re watching a moth that is remarkably like a hummingbird.
Numerous hummingbird moths closely resemble hummingbirds – not only in how the moths fly, how they hover, and the “humming” noise made by their beating wings – but also in the way that they sip nectar through their proboscis. When the moths are not actively sipping nectar from a flower, their proboscis actually rolls up in a coil; but when they are hovering in front of a flower, the proboscis extends straight out so that it can be inserted deep into a flower to reach the nectar.
As part of its deception, a hummingbird moth can fly forward and backwards, just like real hummingbirds. CSERC staff has watched hummingbird moths zipping into various clumps of wildflowers in places such as the Clavey River canyon. But each time the moths are spotted, it takes some time to finally recognize you aren’t watching a hummingbird – only a 3” or slightly larger moth that does a great hummingbird impersonation.
Here is a link to a short video showing a hummingbird moth (also known as a white-lined sphinx moth) in April moving throughout various flowers in landscaping at a Twain Harte area residence. Although brief, the video shows pretty clearly how easy it would be for a casual observer to be certain they were just watching a hummingbird check out the flowers.