30–100 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/800 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2500–1/3200 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/6.3–f/8
Aperture
20,970
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/800 s
Shutter (action)1/2500–1/3200 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionFor flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 65 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) | 90 mm | 135 mm | 60 mm | 45 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 179 mm | 269 mm | 120 mm | 90 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 269 mm | 404 mm | 179 mm | 135 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 359 mm | 539 mm | 239 mm | 179 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 538 mm | 808 mm | 359 mm | 269 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 897 mm | 1,347 mm | 598 mm | 449 mm |
About the White-tailed Kite#
The white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) is a small raptor found in western North America and parts of South America.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Wintering eagles concentrate near open water and fish runs.
- Shoot with the sun behind you to light the underwing.
- For flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
- Sightings peak in January, 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 Hawks, Eagles, and Kites#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a White-tailed Kite?
At about 65 cm long, a white-tailed kite fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 179 mm, or at 20 m with 359 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a White-tailed Kite?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a White-tailed Kite?
Observations in North America peak in January, 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