Setting up a backyard bird feeder is a wonderful way to both support and observe wildlife from the comfort of your own home.
However, many backyard birders would love to get closer looks at their feeder visitors while keeping better track of which species stop by. After all, much of the best action happens extremely early in the morning, while most of us are still asleep. Plus, you never know when an amazing “lifer” bird might stop by—and you can’t watch the feeder all day, every day!
Until recently, it was more or less impossible to “never miss a bird” at your feeder. But now, video bird feeders make it possible to enjoy a whole new level of connection with your backyard birds.
Video bird feeders have built-in motion-sensor cameras that capture photos and videos of every bird (or squirrel) that stops by for a snack. Whether you’re collecting scientific data, running a cute wildlife Instagram account, or simply enjoying closer-than-ever looks at your feathered friends, a video feeder is a game-changer for backyard birdwatching.
In the sections below, we’ll review our picks for the top 5 video bird feeders. Then, we’ll review DIY options, discuss additional costs, and step through a quick FAQ on operating a video bird feeder.
Top 5 Video Bird Feeders
Bird Buddy is probably the most recognized name in feeder cameras, having shipped over 100,000 units worldwide. Bird Buddy launched in 2020 via Kickstarter and became one of the top one percent of most-funded projects.
The Bird Buddy Video Feeder is easy to use and features an attractive and streamlined design.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 9” height x 6.3” width x 6.89” depth
- Seed capacity: 1 liter
- Materials: plastic and Gorilla ® Glass
- Camera quality: 5-megapixel for photos and 720p HD for videos
Design and Build Quality
It’s no surprise that Bird Buddy had massive crowdfunding success on Kickstarter—the “it factor” is definitely present. The design is elegant and minimalist, featuring rounded edges and available in attractive blue or yellow color schemes.
Bird Buddy’s materials are high-quality, including windows made from Gorilla Glass, the same sort of thin, scratchproof material used for smartphone screens. The entire product appears quite durable and damage-resistant, and I would expect many years of use from a Bird Buddy.
Unboxing Experience and Setup Procedure
The Bird Buddy comes efficiently packed. The packaging is secure for shipping but without too much bulk or waste. The materials are attractively presented and would enhance the gift-giving experience if you purchase a Bird Buddy for someone else.
The feeder comes mostly pre-assembled. Finishing the setup consists of sliding the camera into place and snapping on the solar roof (if included). The package includes a QR code that you can scan on your phone to download the Bird Buddy app.
Image and Video Quality
Bird Buddy captures photos and videos with terrific clarity. Sometimes the image suffers from the subjects being too close to the lens, but the positioning is usually quite effective. A high level of detail comes through, making it easy to analyze subtle differences between species.
Once you’re all set up, you can join the Bird Buddy owners group on Facebook, and share photos and videos with over 8,000 other Bird Buddy birders.
Connectivity and App Experience
You can get started with your Bird Buddy quite quickly by downloading the app from your app store or via the QR code that comes in the packaging. You create an account, connect the camera to Wi-Fi, and use the app to connect your camera to your account (note: this basic procedure applies to all of the video feeders reviewed below as well).
Once you’re all set up, the app will send you “postcard” photos of the birds that stop by your feeder. You can review the automatically-captured photos and videos and choose which ones you’d like to save or discard. The app’s AI system will attempt to identify each species it records. This is useful, especially for beginner birders, but you should expect mixed results regarding accuracy. This is true for all of the AI-powered video feeders—they frequently misidentify birds. Accuracy is expected to improve over time.
If you want to enjoy your Bird Buddy on a long-term basis, the solar panel is a worthwhile investment. Without the panel, you’ll need to remove the camera every 10 days or so to charge it. With the panel, you’ll rarely, if ever, need to remove the camera for charging.
Pricing and Subscription Details
The Bird Buddy is currently priced at $199.00 and the Bird Buddy with a solar roof costs $269.00. Other upgraded packages include wall mounts and additional feeding supplies.
Bird Buddy doesn’t charge any subscription fees. You’ll need to set up an account to use the app, but the app is free to download and use.
Pros and Cons
Pros: sleek design, user-friendly operation, high photo and video quality, and subscription-free app access.
Cons: small seed storage capacity, history of long wait times for delivery (although Bird Buddy has improved their turnaround times and customer service since the company’s early days).
Final Verdict
The Bird Buddy is a fantastic product. I love its look, the photo quality is top-notch, and the camera and app are super easy to operate. I expect Bird Buddy to increase prices soon (they’re still phasing out of their pre-sale price range), so now is a great time to buy.
Bird Buddy is also currently working on two more exciting new products: a smart hummingbird feeder and a smart bird bath. These items are currently only available via pre-order on Kickstarter.
The Netvue Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder is, like the Bird Buddy, a complete set for feeding and recording birds. The product includes a feeder, a camera, an app, and AI-powered species identification.
Key Specifications
Design and Build Quality
This feeder has a similar design to the Bird Buddy, but it’s slightly bigger and has more seed capacity (1.5 liters compared to 1 liter). Rails in front of the feeding tray provide plenty of perching space, framing birds right in front of the camera lens, which is angled slightly downward for optimal picture and video quality.
Unboxing Experience and Setup Procedure
Netvue’s packaging is simple and setup is a breeze, although it can take up to 14 hours to initially charge the camera. The feeder comes with a mount that can be quickly screwed into a tree or post. For an even simpler setup, a strap is included.
If you purchase the solar panel, it comes with an extra-long cord so that you can position the panel for better sun exposure in a separate area.
Image and Video Quality
The Netvue Birdfy offers fantastic photo and video quality, with 1080p high resolution and 8x magnification. All of the cameras that we’re reviewing in this guide offer exceptional image quality, but Netvue might be the best of the best for capturing a high level of visual detail. Netvue cameras also transmit exceptional audio quality, helping you enjoy your bird visitors via multiple senses.
Connectivity and App Experience
Besides misidentifying plenty of species, Netvue offers excellent connectivity and a smooth app experience. The battery can last for months, even without solar power, or indefinitely with solar power.
The free version of the app is more than satisfactory for most birders. The camera will locally store 10-second videos which you can also download to your phone. If you use the AI feature, expect plenty of errors. However, you can double-check the IDs and send feedback to help the AI system continue to improve.
Pricing and Subscription Details
The Netvue Birdfy feeder is currently priced at $224.99. Images and videos are stored in the Cloud for seven days for free without a subscription. An optional paid subscription is available for the AI bird identification feature.
Pros and Cons
Pros: superior photo, video, and audio quality, user-friendly app experience, easy installation, long-lasting battery
Cons: low accuracy for AI species identification.
Final Verdict
The Netvue Smart Bird Feeder is quite similar to the Bird Buddy in design and features, so you might wish to base your decision on aesthetic preference. This product is high-quality, easy to set up and use, and slightly larger than most video feeders.
The Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case does NOT include a camera. This product is a clear plastic feeder, made in the same basic shape as the Bird Buddy. The feeder includes a camera case that’s compatible with leading security camera brands. The Wasserstein feeder is also compatible with separately-sold solar panels.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 9” height x 7” width x 8” depth
- Seed capacity: 0.78 liter
- Feeder materials: plastic and clear plastic
- Compatible with leading security camera brands, including Blink Outdoor Camera, Ring Stick Up Cam, and various Wyze camera models
Design and Build Quality
The Wasserstein Camera Case is petite. Its dimensions are slightly larger than the Bird Buddy, but its seed capacity is a bit smaller. The entire front and sides of the box are clear plastic. The build is lightweight, but has a broad, squared base for improved weight distribution and stability.
Unboxing Experience and Setup Procedure
This product comes tightly packaged in a small box. The pieces snap into place without any tools required. To create a fit for the various cameras that the feeder is compatible with, multiple brackets are included. Pick the bracket that’s designed for your camera, slide the camera in, and insert the bracket into the feeder.
The feeder can be installed with a metal mounting bracket and screws, or you can use a strap (included) to wrap the box around a tree or post.
Pricing and Subscription Details
The Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is currently priced at $74.99. If you already own a compatible camera, then a Wasserstein is a great value.
Pros and Cons
Pros: universal camera compatibility, easy installation.
Cons: camera not included, small seed capacity.
Final Verdict
If you already have a compatible security camera that you’re ready to devote to birdwatching, then the smart move is definitely to buy a Wasserstein Camera Case. If not, then it’s probably more practical to purchase an all-in-one video feeder.
The Blink Outdoor Security Camera is a small, wireless, weather-resistant, motion-detecting security camera. This product isn’t specifically designed for wildlife viewing but can be positioned inside or nearby a bird feeder. The Blink camera is also compatible with the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case (see above).
Key Specifications
- 2.8” height x 2.8” width x 1.2” depth
- Battery life (AA lithium) of up to two years
- Two-way audio
- Infrared night vision
Design and Build Quality
The Blink Outdoor Security Camera is considered one of the best security cams priced under $100. It’s a compact, weatherproof camera made from durable plastic.
Unboxing Experience and Setup Procedure
A Blink camera is shipped in a tiny, compact package, not much larger than an eyeglasses case. The camera is tightly-packed in protective material to prevent damage. Setting up the camera involves downloading the app and connecting to Wi-Fi. If you’re pairing the camera with a Wasserstein Camera Case, you’ll need to select the appropriate bracket (see above) before inserting the camera into the feeder.
Image and Video Quality
The Blink camera uses 1080p HD resolution. Even though this product wasn’t designed for wildlife photography, the photo and video quality are comparable to specialized camera feeders like the Bird Buddy or the Soliom Smart Feeder.
Connectivity and App Experience
As a security camera brand, Blink has been improving their app experience for many years. The Blink app is less “cute” than the ones that were made specifically for birding, but it features a high level of control, such as motion sensor sensitivity control and zooming features.
Pricing and Subscription Details
The 3rd-Gen Blink Outdoor Security Camera is currently priced at $99.99. Customers can use local photo and video storage via a USB flash drive (sold separately), or purchase a subscription plan for $3 per month per camera.
Pros and Cons
Pros: highly rated camera for performance and reliability, amazing battery life (up to two years per battery set), cost-efficient when paired with a Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case (see above).
Cons: unless you pair this camera with a compatible feeder, such as a Wasserstein, you’ll have to DIY your setup, which might be less effective than simply purchasing an all-in-one video feeder.
Final Verdict
I think it’s better to go with a fully-equipped video feeder like the Bird Buddy or Netvue Birdfy. However, the Blink camera is perfectly capable of serving as a feeder camera and provides excellent value if you already own one or if you pair it with a Wasserstein Camera Case.
The Soliom Smart Bird Feeder (model BF08) is another all-in-one video feeder option, like the Bird Buddy and the Netvue Birdfy. This metal feeder holds 2.7 liters of seeds, nearly twice as much as other video feeders.
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.3” height x 8” width x 8.6” depth
- Seed capacity: 2.7 liter
- Feeder materials: metal and transparent acrylic
- 5W solar panel included
- 5db antenna for improved Wi-Fi connection stability
- Two-way audio (for scaring off squirrels)
Design and Build Quality
The Soliom Smart Bird Feeder is larger and heavier than other video feeders. The solid metal frame, 2.7-liter capacity, spacious seed tray, and 5W solar panel combine to form a feeder that’s substantial and strong.
Note: metal feeders ARE safe for birds in winter—no, birds do NOT freeze to metal feeders.
Unboxing Experience and Setup Procedure
Compared to the other feeders in our top-5 list, the Soliom comes in a significantly larger and heavier box. The box is extremely well-sealed and includes plenty of protective foam, plastic, and cardboard. So, the product makes some extra waste but comes well-protected.
The camera battery requires an initial charging period of around five hours. Once charged, you’ll connect the camera to Wi-Fi and use the included QR code to connect to the app.
Setting up the Soliom requires a bit of extra care since the feeder is heavy and comes with a detached solar panel. However, using a drill and the included screws and/or velcro strap, installation shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
Image and Video Quality
The Soliom camera has 1080p high resolution along with full-color night vision and infrared night vision. The image quality is excellent and you might even catch some great footage of nighttime wildlife like owls or raccoons.
Connectivity and App Experience
The package includes a QR code for quickly downloading the app. Setup is easy, but you’ll have to choose whether or not you’d like to pay for the AI feature. The app is very organized, transmitting large sets of photos and videos in a clear and user-friendly format. The app gives you lots of control for adjusting the camera settings remotely and activating the two-way audio if you’d like to scare away squirrels.
Pricing and Subscription Details
The Solium Smart Bird Feeder (BF08 model) is currently priced at $269.00. The product can be used for free, or you can pay extra for additional cloud storage and AI-powered species identification.
Pros and Cons
Pros: durability, camera quality, ease of app use, greater seed storage capacity, and resistance to squirrel damage.
Cons: This is one of the higher-priced options in the smart video feeder category and also requires extra costs if you’d like to use the AI feature. It’s also heavier and bulkier than other models.
Final Verdict
Of the five products featured in this guide, the Solium Smart Bird Feeder receives the highest user ratings on Amazon, with 88% five-star reviews. This product is recommended for any backyard birder, but especially for those who want a feeder that’s large, durable, and better defended against squirrels.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Video Bird Feeder
Video Feeder or “Smart” Video Feeder with AI
A video bird feeder is a food dispenser with a built-in camera. A “smart” video bird feeder is one that also connects to an AI-powered species identification system. This is an impressive and useful AI application that many users love.
If you’re a beginner birder, if you’re interested in automated data collection, or if you’re gifting a video feeder, then you should definitely consider purchasing a smart feeder. However, experienced birders will likely find that their own ID skills are more reliable than the AI and that this feature is unnecessary, especially if it comes with an extra price tag.
Battery or Solar Power
Video feeders are battery-powered. Some come with solar panels, meaning that the batteries never (or almost never) need to be replaced or recharged. The Bird Buddy, Netvue, and Wasserstein models reviewed above all come standard without solar panels, but panels can be purchased separately or as an upgrade. The Soliom feeder comes with a solar panel included.
Size and Seed Capacity
Video feeders tend to be on the small side. In general, small feeders attract small birds. Small boxes also need to be refilled more frequently.
Of the feeders featured in this guide, the Soliom Smart Bird Feeder has the largest seed capacity, at 2.7 liters.
Subscriptions and Additional Costs
When you shop for a video feeder, check to see if there are extra costs for using the app, storing photos and videos, or operating AI-powered species identification.
AI species identification is getting lots of buzz, but it doesn’t actually work all that well… at least, not yet. Besides, if you’re new to birding, you may find that ID’ing species on your own is a big part of the fun. So, don’t feel like paying extra for an AI feature is absolutely necessary.
If you use a security camera like Blink or Wyze for your feeder, you’ll have the option of free limited storage or extra storage and features for a subscription cost.
DIY Video Bird Feeders: Turn Devices You Already Own Into Bird-Watching Tools
If you want a long-term setup for recording your feeder, you should invest in a video feeder. These products are specifically designed to place birds in front of the camera, operate by motion sensor, and record and transmit high-quality footage. DIY setups won’t perform these operations with the same efficiency.
That said, there are a few scenarios in which you might want to set up a DIY video feeder:
- If you already own a camera that could be repurposed for recording your feeder
- If you’re only interested in recording your feeder for a short period of time
- If you’re a DIY enthusiast or you want the lowest-priced solution
Here are a few alternatives to genuine video bird feeders.
Using a Trail Camera for Bird Feeder Photos
Like video bird feeders, trail cameras are made to operate outdoors for long time periods, activated by motion sensors that are adjusted to desired sensitivity settings. Some trail cameras can shoot thousands of photos or last for many months on a set of batteries. Trail cams also come in a much wider price range than video bird feeders, including some inexpensive options.
Using a trail cam to record your bird feeder is a great idea if you already own the camera. However, if you don’t already own a trail cam and you’d like to record your backyard birds on a long-term basis, you should invest in a video bird feeder. These devices are less expensive than high-quality trail cams and they include the exact design and features you need for capturing great images of birds.
Using a GoPro for Bird Feeder Photos
GoPros can be rigged for motion detection. You can also live stream from a GoPro. If you want to use a GoPro for feeder observation, you could set up your camera on a stand or strap it to the feeder or a nearby tree.
If you own a GoPro, you likely don’t want to devote it entirely to this one purpose. However, a GoPro can be useful for feeder viewing if it’s something you just want to do short-term or once in a while.
Repurposing a Security Camera or Doorbell Camera for Birdwatching
Like trail cameras, doorbell cams and some other types of security cams work via motion sensor activation. Thus, these cameras perform the basic operations that you need for recording photos and videos of your bird feeder.
If you already own a doorbell or security camera that you aren’t using, then repurposing it for your feeder is a great idea. However, if you’re making a new purchase, you’re better off purchasing a bird feeder & camera combo that was specially designed for feeding and recording birds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Video Bird Feeders
The best video bird feeders offer high quality in both the box and the camera. The feeder should be durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to fill and clean. The camera should be weatherproof, take high-resolution photos and videos, and have good battery power. Additionally, the camera should come with an easy-to-use app and include plenty of options for controlling motion sensor sensitivity and storage preferences.
Bird feeder cameras are pricy, but the majority of owners end up pleased with their purchases. You’ll pay between $150–$350 for your setup, but then you can operate the feeder expense-free if you aren’t interested in extra features.
If you invest in a camera feeder, you’ll enjoy views of your backyard birds that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. This is great for maintaining a species list, observing early morning activity, and capturing delightful photos and videos for sharing.
Video feeders are especially popular as gifts. Since these products have only been widely available for a few years, it’s likely that the birder in your life doesn’t have one yet.
If you purchase a video bird feeder, you’ll get an all-in-one feeder and camera combo. The camera fits snugly into place in the perfect position for filming birds that visit the perch.
If you opt for a DIY setup, you can mount a camera to a nearby tree, post, or wall, or use a tripod. You can also install an extension to your bird feeder that allows you to position the camera at an ideal distance and orientation from the feeder perch.
If you have an app-connected video feeder and a stable Wi-Fi connection, then you can view a live stream. Each video feeder offers separate instructions for accessing a live stream. You can follow additional steps to connect your live stream to YouTube or other video platforms.
Finding the Best Video Bird Feeder for Your Needs
After thoroughly checking out the most popular brands, I can confidently recommend the five products reviewed above. Additionally, I’ll offer these extra tips:
- A solar panel is a worthwhile upgrade, setting your feeder up for semi-permanent, low-maintenance operation
- As of 2023, AI-powered species identification is not very reliable; it’s a fun tool, especially for beginners, but not necessary for enjoying a video feeder
- Cloud storage subscriptions are good investments if you’d like to have no-hassle, long-term photo, and video storage; however, if you aren’t interested in stockpiling footage, free short-term storage options are probably sufficient
Whether it’s a gift or for yourself, a video bird feeder is a fun way to enhance the backyard birding experience. We hope this Happy Birding guide helps you choose a great new feeder for your yard!
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James has always been an avid outdoorsman. Since a kid, he kept a journal of all the different birds and species he saw. Now he wants to share his passion with other birders with Happy Birding!
