? Tiny hummingbird like chap in NE Victoria - with video

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Cortylok
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? Tiny hummingbird like chap in NE Victoria - with video

Hello,

Last night just after dusk I caught a glimpse of a tiny little bird, 3 to 4cm long feeding on a native frangipani on our garden just out of Wodonga. I managed to get some very average footage of it and put it up on YouTube. Slowed down to 25% playback speed there a few moments where it is clearly visable flitting about from flower to flower. We are blessed with a thriving population of native bird life but I have never seen a little guy like this. 

I would very much appreciate any thoughts.

Here is the link. Please excuse the audio. 

https://youtu.be/MDyl4K5Sltw

Thank you kindly

Lok

dwatsonbb
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Need someone more expert, but my thoughts are some sort of flying insect/moth. Unfortunately I cannot see the detail you describe. I am only viewing on an iPad, and for some reason can't view full screen. Will be interested to find the identity of your critter.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Cortylok
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Thank you Dale. Yeah, the footage is pretty awful. Its movement was similar to a dragonfly but it definitely had bird shape body and I'm 90% sure a single set of wings. I reckon the moth theory is out though. They are much more clumsy flyers, and the flash light didn't appear to be piquing is interest.

Thank you for your thoughts

Cortylok
Cortylok's picture

MYSTERY SOLVED!

It is a hawk moth. Known for mimicking humming birds and feeding on flower nectar at dusk. 

If anyone is interested here is a video. Skip to around 2:30. Beautiful things

https://youtu.be/EYLtpqkMSvU

Thank you

Edit : I had some help from a Facebook group "Victorian birders" 

 and   @birdsinbackyards
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