4 Best Smart Bird Feeders, Tested and Reviewed
Forget about binoculars: These devices capture high-quality images and videos — and some can identify thousands of bird species.
Reviewed by Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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A smart bird feeder takes birdwatching to a whole new level. It's essentially a bird feeder with a camera attached, so it doesn't just attract feathered friends to your yard but also captures photos and videos of them up close and in action. Some smart bird feeders are also equipped with artificial intelligence technology that can identify the bird species — a nifty feature for anyone looking to learn what types of birdies are visiting their yard.
Most smart bird feeders have a chargeable camera that connects to your home Wi-Fi network and syncs with a mobile app. The camera snaps into an apparatus that you mount and fill with bird feed; then you'll typically receive notifications on your phone when visitors arrive.
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested all types of equipment, from the best fire pits to outdoor furniture, to make your outdoor space more inviting. We have also test a slew of Wi-Fi-connected smart products, including video doorbells and outdoor security cameras, and brought that knowledge and expertise into this report. To find the best smart bird feeders, we scouted out devices that come with a variety of features and at a range of prices. Below are the four best on the market. For folks who are less technologically inclined, check out our ratings of the best bird feeders.
Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder with Solar Roof
Pros
- Captures high-definition photographs and videos
- Live streaming
- AI technology that identifies over 1,000 bird species
- Has a solar panel roof
Cons
- Pricey
The Wi-Fi-enabled Bird Buddy has a lot going for it, starting with an attractive design that's made of recycled plastic according to the brand. This sleek birdhouse notifies you of visitors via an app on your phone. It snaps high-definition images using a camera with 720p resolution, and organizes them into a collection that you can admire and share with friends, family or Bird Buddy’s online community.
The bird feeder comes with a high price tag, but the built-in camera, which offers live streaming, is equipped with artificial intelligence that enables it to identify over 1,000 bird species.
Our tester found the device was easy to assemble and hang on a tree limb with the included metal hanger, but it can also be attached to a wall or tree using the wall mount (sold separately). He tried out the model that comes with a detachable solar-powered roof, which kept the battery charged for uninterrupted use. It holds 0.9 liters of bird seed.
Technaxx Full HD Birdcam TX-165
Technaxx Full HD Birdcam TX-165
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Night vision
- Wide viewing angle
Cons
- Limited features
- No mobile app
If you’re okay with getting a no-frills smart bird feeder, this could be the device for you. Although there’s no mobile app (so you won't be alerted when visitors arrive) and, as a result, no cloud storage (files can be saved on a MicroSD card, not included), the TECHNAXX Birdcam TX-165 is a wallet-friendly, battery-powered smart bird feeder that captures high-definition photographs and videos.
The 1080p resolution camera features a wide 100-degree viewing angle and its infrared LED lights do a decent job of taking pictures and recording video footage at night, according to online reviews. Made of ABS plastic, the Birdcam holds 0.15 liters of bird food and includes a mounting belt and a wall and railing mount.
NETVUE AI Smart Bird Feeder with Solar Panel
NETVUE AI Smart Bird Feeder with Solar Panel
Pros
- High-resolution color night vision
- Identifies over 6,000 bird species
- Free cloud storage for 20-second videos for up to 30 days
- Comes with a solar panel
Cons
- Battery takes a while to charge
One way that the Birdfy stands out: Its full-color night vision allows you to photograph visitors with exceptional clarity, according to online reviewers, so you won’t miss any of the action that happens after the sun goes down. "The high-quality 1080P video allows me to see birds in great detail — and I can control the video playback to pause at specific moments. Because the camera has a wide-angle lens, I can observe details about birds’ behavior and feeding patterns, which is really fun!" said one customer.
Online reviewers also highlighted the device’s battery life and ease of installation — it can be mounted on a pole, tree or wall. According to the brand, it can identify over 6,000 bird species and it offers free cloud storage for 20-second videos for up to 30 days.
That said, according to Birdfy, the device can take up to 14 hours to charge the battery — substantially longer than the other smart bird feeders on this list. Also, some users reported glitches while using the Birdfy app.
With a IP65 weatherproof rating, the bird feeder has a 1.5 liter capacity and comes equipped with a solar panel that gets mounted alongside it as well as a built-in flashlight, siren and microphone designed to scare off squirrels.
SOLIOM BF08 Smart Bird Feeder
SOLIOM BF08 Smart Bird Feeder
Pros
- Identifies over 10,000 bird species
- Two-way microphone to scare off critters
- Large 2.7-liter birdfood capacity
- Has a solar panel
Cons
- Cloud storage subscription required to access bird species recognition
According to SOLIOM, the BF08 Smart Bird Feeder’s artificial intelligence algorithm can recognize more than 10,000 bird species, making it a great pick for even the most experienced birdwatchers. The battery is rechargeable, but it also comes with a solar panel for charging.
The camera's 1080p resolution is also impressive with one online reviewer who said, "the image quality is outstanding, even in low light." There's also a flashlight, a siren and a two-way speaker that gives you the ability to scare off squirrels. The wall- or tree-mounted metal bird feeder can hold up to 2.7 liters of bird food, the largest capacity on this list.
Still, there are a few notable drawbacks. To access the camera’s AI species recognition technology, you must purchase a SOLIOM cloud storage subscription (starting at $7 per month for 15-day storage). Also, the device does not support 5G Wi-Fi, and some customers said in online reviews that the AI species recognition was not always accurate.
How we test smart bird feeders
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab have been testing, researching and covering all manner of yard and gardening tools and items for years, from the best leaf vacuums and best lawn mowers to the best pruning shears and best gardening subscription boxes.
We tested the Bird Buddy in our writer’s backyard in Gaithersburg, Maryland (pictured).
During testing, several photos of birds were captured and identified using the Bird Buddy, including these two Northern Cardinals (the tan one is female; the red one is male).
Our experts also combed through online reviews to suss out the smart bird feeders that have worked best for consumers in their own yards.
What to look for when buying a smart bird feeder
Finding the right smart bird feeder for your needs comes down to these main factors:
✔️ Mobile app: Most smart bird feeders pair with a smartphone app, offering features such as real-time notifications, live streaming and cloud storage.
✔️ Power source: Most smart bird feeders run on a rechargeable battery, while others run on AA or AAA batteries. However, other models come equipped with a solar panel that keeps the battery powered up, so you don't have to worry about charging it.
✔️ Species recognition: If you are interested in learning more about the local wildlife, invest in a smart bird feeder that features AI technology that’s capable of identifying thousands of bird species. One on our list from SOLIUM claims to be able to recognize more than 10,000 species of birds.
✔️ Camera features. Camera resolution and viewing angles can vary depending on the product. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image quality. Look for a smart bird feeder with a wide angle lens of 100 or 120 degrees will provide a better field of view to monitor the birds' activity as they move around your yard.
✔️ Material: Construction materials can vary, with different degrees of durability and sturdiness. Generally, metal or plastic bird feeders are more weatherproof and water-resistant than wood or bamboo bird feeders.
✔️ Night vision: Only certain smart bird feeder cameras are equipped with night vision, capturing photos and videos around the clock.
✔️ Weatherproofing. Since bird feeders are exposed to the elements, whether the product is weatherproof is important. Look for an IP rating, which indicates that the product is protected from the intrusion of water and dust.
Where should I place my smart bird feeder?
If you purchase a smart bird feeder that requires a Wi-Fi connection, picking the right location is key. You’ll probably need to hang the bird feeder close to your home. If you’re going to mount the device, make sure to test the strength of the Wi-Fi signal before mounting it.
Also consider your mounting options. Depending on the model, smart bird feeders can either be wall mounted, tree mounted or hung from a tree branch if the product has a built-in hanger. Some can also be pole-mounted, which may provide protection from squirrels or predators, however the pole is not included with smart bird feeders as it is sometimes included with traditional bird feeders.
When possible, place the bird feeder near trees or shrubs. According to Audubon International:"Birds will use these to perch and seek protection from adverse weather and predators."
To prevent window collisions, The Humane Society of the United States recommends placing a bird feeder more than 30 feet from a window or within three feet. "A feeder that is 30 feet or more from a window is a safe distance from confusing reflections, while one within three feet prevents a bird from building up enough momentum for a fatal collision," the organization said.
If the bird feeder has a solar roof for charging the battery, make sure to place the device in a sunny spot.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from outdoor power equipment to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine and other outlets.
For this article, Bortz worked closely with Dan DiClerico, director of GH's Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab. DiClerico has tested and written about outdoor power equipment, including snow blowers, for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, his expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House.
Daniel Bortz (he/him) is a freelance writer in Arlington, Va who has written about home improvement for more a decade, including product reviews across every major category, from appliances to smart home technology, as well as articles on real estate, personal finance, and more. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, among others. He’s also a licensed real estate agent who watches way too much HGTV.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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