Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 15 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally. Small birds demand long lenses and a close approach — a blind or feeder setup helps.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 367 mm | 536 mm | 245 mm | 183 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 734 mm | 1,071 mm | 489 mm | 367 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 1,101 mm | 1,607 mm | 734 mm | 550 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,468 mm | 2,143 mm | 979 mm | 734 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 2,202 mm | 3,214 mm | 1,468 mm | 1,101 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 3,669 mm | 5,357 mm | 2,446 mm | 1,835 mm |
About the Bananaquit#
The bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) is a species of passerine bird Natural from Puerto Rico. It is tentatively placed in the tanager family, but classified as incertae sedis by other authorities such as the American Ornithologists' Union. Its classification is debated, and it is often placed in its own family: Coerebidae.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Bright colours pop in soft overcast light.
- Bird-eye AF with continuous focus (AF-C/AI Servo); fill at least a third of the frame.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March, April 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 Tanagers and Allies#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Bananaquit?
At about 15 cm long, a bananaquit fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 734 mm, or at 20 m with 1,468 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Bananaquit?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Bananaquit?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April 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