Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 41 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) | 141 mm | 210 mm | 94 mm | 70 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 282 mm | 421 mm | 188 mm | 141 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 422 mm | 631 mm | 282 mm | 211 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 563 mm | 841 mm | 375 mm | 282 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 845 mm | 1,262 mm | 563 mm | 422 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,408 mm | 2,103 mm | 939 mm | 704 mm |
About the American Kestrel#
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. Formerly called "sparrowhawk", a misnomer as it is a true falcon and is unrelated genetically to the Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus. It has a roughly two-to-one range in size over subspecies and sex, varying in size from about the weight of a blue jay to a mourning dove.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Kestrels hover on windy days — a great chance at sharp flight shots.
- For flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
- Sightings peak in January, February 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.
More Falcons and Caracaras#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Kestrel?
At about 41 cm long, an american kestrel fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 282 mm, or at 20 m with 563 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Kestrel?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Kestrel?
Observations in North America peak in January, February 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