Bird watching is one of life’s great joys. Birds are so beautiful and fun to watch, but you have to keep your distance so as not to scare them away. Smart birdhouses – birdhouses with cameras and connected apps – allow you to get a close-up view of your backyard birds through recorded images and live views in real time (if your WiFi is sufficient). They are becoming increasingly popular with countless options being released on the market from reputable brands and Amazon clones alike. These are the best bird feeder cameras we have ever tried.
The apps use AI that can theoretically identify bird species. In our tests, none of them could be correctly identified. However, each of them has advantages that may interest you. You can use Google Lens or, if you have an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, download the photos to your camera roll and Click on the info button. It does a good job of identifying birds. Even though it’s still a work in progress, now that I’ve experienced it, I don’t want to be without a birdhouse camera.
Bird watching is fairly accessible as a hobby. You don’t have to join a group or Really Buy anything, but if you’re interested we have guides on how to do it Best binoculars And The best bird watching equipmentwith recommendations for our favorite apps, books and accessories.
Updated December 2024: We added Netvue Birdfys Feeder 2 Duo and Hum Feeder Duo and updated links and pricing throughout.
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How we test bird feeders
Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested some feeders on a balcony in Texas and one in a backyard in Pennsylvania. In Texas, she both set it up on a table and attached it to the railing using the included mounting straps. In Pennsylvania she used the brackets to attach to a pole. WIRED reviewer Kat Merck tested Feeder in a rural, suburban neighborhood in southwest Washington. The feeding troughs were either mounted directly on the house using the brackets provided or hung on a shepherd’s hook on the house facade.
Once set up, we filled them both with bird seed (or a nectar mix of 4:1 granulated sugar and water) and waited patiently for the local birds to find them. We reviewed all included app features, how often we received notifications, whether they accurately track only birds or any type of outdoor movement, and how well they are able to distinguish bird species. We disassembled and cleaned them and then reinstalled them in their holders. We test each device for at least two weeks, but usually over a month.
The most beautiful feeder (and a plastic alternative)
Birdfy from the security company Netvue has We recommend two feeders. Although this bamboo model looks the best, it requires a little maintenance. Unlike the other feeders on this list, it contains no plastic parts and, with its black and natural wood tones, it looks like it belongs in nature. An extendable perch allows multiple birds to gather and examine, and it features two large containers for different or same types of seeds. However, the containers mix in the bottom shelf. The FeatherSnap feeder below If you prefer, separate containers and trays are used.
Like the other feeders on this list, it can be mounted on a pole or tree, or hung from a hook. It also comes with a solar panel that you can mount as well, so you never have to think about charging the camera battery.
As beautiful as the bamboo feeder is, it still requires maintenance. Birdfy notes that the feeder has an IP65 rating and is mold and rot resistant. However, the instruction manual states that it must be sealed. Over RedditBirdfy recommends sealing with a Bird-safe wood sealant. I can’t say anything directly about durability because I used this feeder on a table on my covered balcony when testing it.
Although plastic is not as beautiful as wood, it is more durable and easier to clean. Birdfy’s plastic house is another good option and is often offered at a discounted price. Not all packages come with a solar panel, but it is possible Buy it separately.
