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 Crested Caracara#
The crested caracara (Caracara plancus) is a bird of prey in the family Falconidae. It is found from the southern United States through Central and South America to Tierra del Fuego. It was formerly placed in the genus Polyborus.
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, March, April, 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.
More Falcons and Caracaras#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Crested Caracara?
At about 41 cm long, a crested caracara 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 a Crested Caracara?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Crested Caracara?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, 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