I'm trying to determine what bird/insect was in my garden tonight. It flew like a hummingbird, moving from flower to flower (primarily the purple butterfly bush), but was far smaller than any hummingbird I've ever seen as well as different in color. It was too large to be a bee with wings which I've never seen on a bee.
It was approximately 1 1/2 inches in length, likely about 1/2 - 3/4 inches in the diameter of the body. It's colors were a butterscotch/orange and brown - somewhat striped, but not definitively. It's wings were moving very quickly, but did not appear "thick" enough to be of any substance, but rather dark and more "tissue-like". It had a long stinger/beak (again, not too thick) that it went from bud to bud with collecting nectar. It never landed - but continued to be in motion.
The body seemed thick from the neck all the way to the end where it thinned out for only about 1/8 of an inch. It was definitely not a bee, a wasp, a dragonfly, a butterfly or a hornet. It did not look like any of these.
I've never seen this specific bird/insect before, but hope to again - it intrigued me...
Well from what you say I assume it to be a hummingbird. Several of the characteristics fit the description.
For example: The long beak that went from flower to flower without landing, and the quick wings.
However I'll leave it up to a more learned member of this community in this aspect to provide a definitive answer. ************************************************** 08-20-03, 08:35 PM Peteeo What you've described sounds like a sphinx moth. The move very quickly. Look like a small hummingbird in the colors you've described.
We see them here in the late afternoon until after dark.
08-20-03, 09:06 PM Sherasi That did look like a Hummingbird... but here is a site or two about that Sphinx Moth. Another Site.
08-21-03, 11:27 PM Lydia Thanks guys!!! I think you're right - it did look much like the pics Sher posted - the Sphinx Moth - - it indicates that it is also referred to as the Hummingbird Moth. Was very cool!!! Big Grin
08-22-03, 12:33 AM Tree HOLY MOLY!
I think that they're hanging around MY house tonite!!
Interesting bugs...........
08-22-03, 08:22 AM Lydia The last picture on THIS page is a very good representation of what I saw... I hope he comes back
08-23-03, 12:21 PM Tree That's pretty cute, Lydia!
Wink
08-23-03, 05:04 PM mystery250 No idea, sorry...
08-24-03, 08:27 AM soaringhorse Lydia, I really like that link you posted, that is the type of java sites I like! I didn't know there was such a thing as this, it's got two of my favorite things put together, butterfly's and hummingbirds, Wow! Smile
08-24-03, 09:13 PM Sherasi You know, ironically, I saw this Moth for the very first time in my life last night. It was identical to the photos I posted and flew right up and buzzed a bit and flew off.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,
