30–160 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/640 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000–1/3200 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/6.3–f/8
Aperture
14,096
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/640 s
Shutter (action)1/2000–1/3200 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionGet low to the water for an eye-level perspective; expose for bright plumage to avoid clipped whites.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 95 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) | 62 mm | 93 mm | 41 mm | 31 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 124 mm | 186 mm | 82 mm | 62 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 185 mm | 279 mm | 124 mm | 93 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 247 mm | 372 mm | 165 mm | 124 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 371 mm | 558 mm | 247 mm | 185 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 618 mm | 930 mm | 412 mm | 309 mm |
Field-craft tips#
- Winter is peak season for colourful drakes.
- Morning side-light reveals iridescent head colours.
- Get low to the water for an eye-level perspective; expose for bright plumage to avoid clipped whites.
- Sightings peak in April and May, 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 Ducks, Geese, and Swans#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Mexican Duck?
At about 95 cm long, a mexican duck fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 124 mm, or at 20 m with 247 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Mexican Duck?
1/640 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Mexican Duck?
Observations in North America peak in April and May. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources