Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 25 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) | 227 mm | 336 mm | 151 mm | 113 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 454 mm | 672 mm | 302 mm | 227 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 680 mm | 1,007 mm | 454 mm | 340 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 907 mm | 1,343 mm | 605 mm | 454 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,361 mm | 2,015 mm | 907 mm | 680 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 2,268 mm | 3,358 mm | 1,512 mm | 1,134 mm |
About the Northern Mockingbird#
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. This species has rarely been observed in Europe.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Singing males claim conspicuous perches.
- Bird-eye AF with continuous focus (AF-C/AI Servo); fill at least a third of the frame.
- Sightings peak in April, 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 Mockingbirds and Thrashers#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Northern Mockingbird?
At about 25 cm long, a northern mockingbird fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 454 mm, or at 20 m with 907 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Northern Mockingbird?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Northern Mockingbird?
Observations in North America peak in April. 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