Recommended camera settings#
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 |
About the Green-winged Teal#
The Eurasian teal, common teal, or Eurasian green-winged teal (Anas crecca) is a common and widespread duck which breeds in temperate Eurasia and migrates south in winter. The Eurasian teal is often called simply the teal due to being the only one of these small dabbling ducks in much of its range. The bird gives its name to the blue-green colour teal.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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 January, February, March, April, 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 Ducks, Geese, and Swans#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Green-winged Teal?
At about 95 cm long, a green-winged teal 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 Green-winged Teal?
1/640 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Green-winged Teal?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, 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