Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 132 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 44 mm | 67 mm | 30 mm | 22 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 89 mm | 134 mm | 59 mm | 44 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 133 mm | 201 mm | 89 mm | 67 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 178 mm | 268 mm | 118 mm | 89 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 267 mm | 402 mm | 178 mm | 133 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 444 mm | 670 mm | 296 mm | 222 mm |
About the American Flamingo#
The American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is a large species of flamingo closely related to the greater flamingo and Chilean flamingo. It was formerly considered conspecific with the greater flamingo, but that treatment is now widely viewed (e.g. by the American and British Ornithologists' Unions) as incorrect due to a lack of evidence. It is also known as the Caribbean flamingo although it is present in the Galápagos Islands.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Pink saturates easily — check colour clipping.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in January, February, September, October, November and December, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Flamingo?
At about 132 cm long, an american flamingo fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 89 mm, or at 20 m with 178 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Flamingo?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Flamingo?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, September, October, November and December. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources