Bird watching is one of life’s great pleasures. Birds are very beautiful and fun to watch, but you need to keep your distance to avoid scaring them. A smart bird feeder (a bird feeder with a camera and a connected app) allows you to get a close-up view of the birds in your backyard through captured images and real-time live view (as long as you have Wi-Fi) . They’re becoming increasingly popular, with tons of options released from reputable brands and Amazon clones alike. These are the best bird feeder cameras we’ve tried.
These apps use AI that can, in theory, identify bird species. In our tests, none made a completely positive identification. Still, each has attractive strengths. If you use Google Lens or have an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, download the photo to your camera roll and click the info button. It can accurately identify birds. Now that I’ve been through this, I wouldn’t be without a bird feeder camera, even if it’s something that’s going on.
Bird watching is a fairly easy hobby to take up. There is no need to join the group Really You can buy anything, but if you’re interested, we have guides to the best binoculars and the best birding gear, including recommendations for our favorite apps, books, and accessories.
Updated December 2024: Added Netvue Birdfy’s Feeder 2 Duo and Hum Feeder Duo and updated links and prices throughout.
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How to test a bird feeder
Former WIRED critic Medea Giordano tested several feeders on her balcony in Texas and one in her backyard in Pennsylvania. In Texas, in addition to being able to set it up on a table, it could also be secured to a railing with the included mounting straps. In Pennsylvania, she used a bracket mount to attach it to a pole. WIRED critic Kat Merk tested the feeder in rural and suburban areas of Southwest Washington. The feeder attaches directly to your home using the included bracket mount or hangs from a shepherd hook attached to your home’s siding.
After setting up, we both stuffed them with bird seed (or nectar mixed 4:1 with granulated sugar and water) and waited patiently for the local birds to find them. We checked all the app features included, how often we receive notifications, are they accurately detecting only birds or all types of movement outdoors? We checked to see how well they could distinguish between different types of birds. I took it apart, cleaned it, then put it back on the mount. Each test is run for at least two weeks, but usually over a month.
The most beautiful feeder (and plastic alternative)
Security company Netvue’s Birdfy has two recommended feeders. This bamboo one looks great, but it does require some maintenance. There are no plastic parts like other feeders on this list, and the black and natural wood hues make it look like it belongs in nature. The expandable perch allows multiple birds to gather together for exploration and comes with two large boxes for holding different types of seeds or seeds of the same type. However, the trash cans are mixed in the bottom tray. The FeatherSnap feeders below use separate bins and trays as needed.
Like the other feeders on this list, you can attach it to a pole or tree, or hang it from a hook. You can also attach a solar panel, so you don’t have to worry about charging your camera battery.
Bamboo feeders are beautiful, but require maintenance. Birdfy says the feeder has a waterproof rating of IP65, making it resistant to mold and rot. However, the instruction manual states that it must be sealed. Via Reddit, Birdfy recommends sealing using a bird-safe wood sealer. When I tested this feeder, I used it on a table on a covered balcony, so I can’t directly comment on its durability.
Plastic is not as pretty as wood, but it is more durable and easier to clean. Birdfy greenhouses are also a great option to consider and are often discounted. Not all bundles come with solar panels, but you can also purchase them separately.