Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 32 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) | 176 mm | 262 mm | 118 mm | 88 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 353 mm | 525 mm | 235 mm | 176 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 529 mm | 787 mm | 353 mm | 264 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 705 mm | 1,050 mm | 470 mm | 353 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,058 mm | 1,574 mm | 705 mm | 529 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,763 mm | 2,624 mm | 1,175 mm | 882 mm |
About the Monk Parakeet#
The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), also known as the Quaker parrot, is a small, bright-green parrot with a greyish breast and greenish-yellow abdomen. In most taxonomies, it is classified as the only member of the genus Myiopsitta. It originates from the temperate to subtropical areas of Argentina and the surrounding countries in South America.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Feral parrot flocks are noisy and easy to locate.
- 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 New World and African Parrots#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Monk Parakeet?
At about 32 cm long, a monk parakeet fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 353 mm, or at 20 m with 705 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Monk Parakeet?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Monk Parakeet?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, May, July 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