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 Black Phoebe#
The black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a passerine bird in the tyrant-flycatcher family. It breeds from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America. It occurs year-round throughout most of its range and migrates less than the other birds in its genus, though its northern populations are partially migratory.
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.
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 Black Phoebe?
At about 18 cm long, a black phoebe 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 Black Phoebe?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Black Phoebe?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, May, September, 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