The two best shotgun chokes for hunting small, fast, close birds are Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes.

Improved Cylinder Choke

• Provides a wider shot spread, making it ideal for close-range shots under 25 yards.

• Effective for fast, darting birds that emerge suddenly from cover, such as quail and pheasant.

Modified Choke

• Offers a tighter shot pattern than Improved Cylinder, balancing spread and accuracy for medium-range distances (25–40 yards).

• Suitable when birds may fly at varying distances, offering versatility for unpredictable flight patterns.

Both chokes help maximize your chances of hitting small, fast-moving birds at close range, with Improved Cylinder being best for very close shots and Modified choke providing more flexibility for slightly longer shots.