Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 70 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) | 83 mm | 125 mm | 56 mm | 42 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 167 mm | 251 mm | 111 mm | 83 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 250 mm | 376 mm | 167 mm | 125 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 334 mm | 501 mm | 223 mm | 167 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 501 mm | 752 mm | 334 mm | 250 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 834 mm | 1,253 mm | 556 mm | 417 mm |
About the White Ibis#
The American white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a species of bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is found from Virginia via the Gulf Coast of the United States south through most of the coastal New World tropics. This particular ibis is a medium-sized bird with an overall white plumage, bright red-orange down-curved bill and long legs, and black wing tips that are usually only visible in flight.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Feeding flocks move steadily — track and wait for the head-up moment.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March, April, October 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 Ibises and Spoonbills#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a White Ibis?
At about 70 cm long, a white ibis fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 167 mm, or at 20 m with 334 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a White Ibis?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a White Ibis?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, October 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