A Very Tiny Hummingbird (Moth)?

We have Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, but my husband and I also spotted a dark hummingbird that was smaller than the ruby-throated. What is it? Betty~ Laingsburg, MI

Oh a mystery! If you remember my June 1, 2010 post, I talked about how only five species of hummingbirds have been spotted in Michigan. And of those five, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the smallest bird. In fact it’s the smallest bird found in Michigan at 2.8–3.5 inches long and weighing 0.1–0.2 oz.

So what did you see? I suspect that it was a hummingbird moth also known as Sphinx Moth. There are many species of sphinx moths, that usually have heavy, football-shaped bodies and relatively narrow wings for a moth. The moths’ fast beating wings give them the appearance of small hummingbirds as they buzz flowers to drink nectar.

For more information on these mysterious moths go to: http://ning.it/bBN8cx