Catching a bird is one of life’s greatest joys. The birds are very beautiful, and it’s fun to watch them, but you have to keep your distance so as not to scare them. Smart bird feeders—that is, bird feeders with connected cameras and apps—give you an up-close look at your backyard birds with captured photos and real-time live views (as long as your Wi-Fi has reach). They have become very popular, and tons of options are being released from reputable companies and Amazon clones alike. These are the best bird feeder cameras we’ve tried.
The apps use AI that can, in theory, identify bird species. In our testing, none have had completely strong identifiers. However, each has a beauty that may appeal to you. You can use Google Lens or, if you have an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, download photos from your camera roll and click the info button. It does a solid job of identifying birds. Even though it is a work in progress, I don’t want to be without a bird feeding camera as I have experienced it.
Bird watching is quite accessible as a hobby. You don’t have to join the group either indeed buy anything, but if you’re interested, we’ve got Best Binoculars and Best Birding Gear guides, with recommendations on 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 We Test Bird Feeders
Former WIRED columnist Medea Giordano tested some feeders on a porch in Texas and one in a backyard in Pennsylvania. In Texas, he set both of them up on a table and secured them to the rail and the installed cables. In Pennsylvania, he used brackets to attach to the pole. Wired reviewer Kat Merck surveyed breadwinners in rural and rural Southwest Washington. The feeders were attached directly to the house with brackets, or hung from a shepherd’s hook mounted on the side of the house.
After setting up, we both filled them with bird seed (or a 4 to 1 sugar/water nectar mixture) and patiently waited for the local birds to find them. We tested all the features of the application, we saw how often we received notifications and we noticed that they accurately pick up just birds or any kind of external movement, and how well they can distinguish the types of birds. We disassembled and cleaned them, returning them to their mounting points afterwards. We test each one for at least two weeks, but usually more than a month.
The Best Feeder (and a Plastic Alternative)
Birdfy, from security company Netvue, has two servers we recommend. This bamboo looks great, but comes with a little maintenance. It has no plastic parts like all the other feeders in this range, and with its dark and natural wood colors, it looks natural. An extended perch allows many birds to gather and browse, and has two large bins for different or similar types of seeds. The bins meet in a tray at the bottom, however. The FeatherSnap feeder below uses separate bins and trays if you prefer.
Like the other feeders on this list, it can be placed on a pole or tree or hung from a hook. It comes with a solar panel that you can mount, so you don’t have to think about charging the camera battery.
As good as a bamboo feeder is, it needs maintenance. Birdfy notes that the feeder has an IP65 waterproof rating and that it is mildew and rot resistant. However, the user manual says it needs to be closed. On Reddit, Birdfy recommends sealing using a bird-safe wooden shutter. I can’t comment directly on its durability, since when I tested this server I used it on a table on my covered porch.
Plastic, although not as beautiful as wood, is durable and easy to clean. Birdfy’s plastic house is another good option to consider, and it’s often discounted. Not all bundles come with a solar panel, but you can buy them separately.
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