Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 22 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) | 251 mm | 370 mm | 167 mm | 125 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 502 mm | 741 mm | 334 mm | 251 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 752 mm | 1,111 mm | 502 mm | 376 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,003 mm | 1,481 mm | 669 mm | 502 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,505 mm | 2,222 mm | 1,003 mm | 752 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 2,508 mm | 3,704 mm | 1,672 mm | 1,254 mm |
About the Loggerhead Shrike#
The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a passerine bird. It is the only member of the shrike family endemic to North America; the related northern shrike (L. borealis) occurs north of its range but also in the eastern Palearctic. It is nicknamed the butcherbird after its carnivorous tendencies, as it consumes prey such as amphibians, insects, lizards, small mammals and small birds.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Hunt from exposed perches like fence posts and wires.
- Bird-eye AF with continuous focus (AF-C/AI Servo); fill at least a third of the frame.
- 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 Shrikes#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Loggerhead Shrike?
At about 22 cm long, a loggerhead shrike fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 502 mm, or at 20 m with 1,003 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Loggerhead Shrike?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Loggerhead Shrike?
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