Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 18 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) | 302 mm | 443 mm | 201 mm | 151 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 603 mm | 887 mm | 402 mm | 302 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 905 mm | 1,330 mm | 603 mm | 453 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,207 mm | 1,773 mm | 805 mm | 603 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,810 mm | 2,660 mm | 1,207 mm | 905 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 3,017 mm | 4,433 mm | 2,011 mm | 1,509 mm |
About the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher#
The scissor-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus), also known as the Texas bird-of-paradise and swallow-tailed flycatcher, is a long-tailed bird of the genus Tyrannus, whose members are collectively referred to as kingbirds. The kingbirds are a group of large insectivorous (insect-eating) birds in the tyrant flycatcher (Tyrannidae) family. The scissor-tailed flycatcher is found in North and Central America.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- They return to the same hunting perch — pre-focus and wait.
- Bird-eye AF with continuous focus (AF-C/AI Servo); fill at least a third of the frame.
- 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 Tyrant Flycatchers#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?
At about 18 cm long, a scissor-tailed flycatcher fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 603 mm, or at 20 m with 1,207 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?
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
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources