After installing and testing seven different bird feeder cameras in my yard, I identified the most effective and high-quality models for capturing and identifying bird videos. This advice is backed by my 25 years of experience in bird watching, ensuring its trustworthiness and reliability.
My best bird feeder camera picks are organized by their primary benefit, so you can find the ideal bird feeder camera that’s perfect for you.
The Best Bird Feeder Cameras
Table of Contents
JCs Wildlife E-Z Fill | Birdfy AI | Bird Buddy | Soliom | Key Factors
Each bird feeder camera was installed and tested in my yard. Scoring was applied to each of the 12 key factors to consider when purchasing a smart feeder. More details about these key factors are later in this article. Click here to see the details now.
JCs Wildlife E-Z Fill: Best Overall
Pros
- Recycled poly lumber material makes it supremely durable.
- Easy to clean.
- Easy to set up.
- Long battery life.
- Large capacity – 80oz.
- Terrific customer support.
- 1 Year Warranty.
- Easily mounts to a bird feeder pole.
Cons
- The app is not very intuitive so takes time to get used to.
Score
4.92
Weather Resistant
5.0
Image Quality
5.0
Wireless
5.0
Easy to Setup
5.0
Easy to Use
4.0
Durability
5.0
Motion Detection
5.0
Battery Life
4.0
Easy to Clean
5.0
Warranty
5.0
Company
5.0
Bird ID
5.0
My Observations of the JCs Wildlife E-z Fill
The JCs Wildlife smart feeder boasts impressive features and durability.
The image quality is very good and in line with other bird feeder cameras on the market. Check out the video montage below that I created from this feeder starring the birds in my yard.
Its weather-resistant design effectively protects against rain, snow, and wind, while the 1080P HD video and 2.0 MP2 photo capabilities ensure clear and detailed images.
Setting up the feeder is straightforward, with a pre-assembled feeder and comprehensive instructions for camera and app setup.
Although the app interface may initially seem confusing, referring to the provided instructions and online FAQs simplifies navigation over time.
The EZ Fill had a 100% bird identification accuracy score when I tested it one morning. Per the video below, it identified seven different species correctly.
The feeder’s durable construction, made from recycled poly lumber, includes a clever lever for easy filling ensuring longevity and convenience.
The large capacity container holds a whopping 80oz of seed.
It has an amazing battery life when connected to the solar panel. JCs Wildlife includes the panel at no additional charge – a unique benefit. I was surprised that the solar panel worked so well in my not-so-sunny state of Wisconsin.
Cleaning is hassle-free with removable components and a user-friendly design.
JCs Wildlife backs its product with a one-year warranty, reflecting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction in the backyard birding market.
How to Mount a JCS Wildlife E-Z Fill Feeder
The E-Z Fill feeder has predrilled holes to work perfectly with the company’s Universal Pole Kit or the Squirrel Stopper Denali Kit.
If you have squirrels in your area, opt for the Denali Pole Kit.
I love the Denali pole system. The pole in my yard has never been breached by a single squirrel!
Does the E-Z Fill Feeder Require a Subscription?
The JCs Wildlife E-Z Fill Smart Feeder only requires a subscription if you want the bird identification feature which includes storing images to the cloud.
The subscription cost ranges from $2.99/month to $6.99/month depending on the duration of cloud storage.
Where to Buy
The E-Z Fill feeder can be purchased online at the JCs Wildlife website or Amazon.
- You can save 10% when purchasing from JCs Wildlife.
- You can save money and bundle the feeder with a Denali Pole Kit (includes baffle) or Universal Pole Kit (no baffle).
Use code OTF2024 for 10% off your order at JCS Wildlife.
Birdfy AI: Best App
Pros
- Easy, intuitive app to view images & video.
- Long battery life.
- 2-year warranty.
- Company’s dedication to product improvement.
- No subscription is required for Bird identification.
Cons
- The single-unit design makes it challenging to clean properly.
- Polycarbonate plastic is not as durable as other models.
- Does not easily mount to a bird feeder pole.
Score
4.75
Weather Resistant
5.0
Image Quality
5.0
Wireless
5.0
Easy to Setup
4.0
Easy to Use
5.0
Durability
4.0
Motion Detection
5.0
Battery Life
5.0
Easy to Clean
3.0
Warranty
5.0
Company
5.0
Bird ID
5.0
My Observations of the Birdfy
Birdfy includes a comprehensive Quick Guide booklet for easy setup.
Birdfy’s proprietary smartphone app is easy to use enabling you to quickly view and share images.
The Birdfy Feeder functions well even during inclement weather. In my Wisconsin yard, the Birdfy withstood driving rain, hail, snow, sleet, and temps over 100 ° F as well as temps below -65° F and kept the bird food dry.
Birdfy captures all moments in 1080P FHD. With 8X digital zoom/ I could see all the birds’ details.
The battery life was surprising. In my yard, it ran on the same battery charge for more than 9 months and I have a lot of activity.
Even when the battery depletes, recharging is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly since you don’t have to buy new batteries and toss the old ones in the landfill. Just plug it in for a few hours and you’re set!
There’s much to love about this bird feeder camera but a couple of not-so-wonderful things to be aware of:
- Getting the feeder properly cleaned was a challenge. It broke down into a few large pieces (roof, base, and middle section that houses the food) leaving many nooks and crannies for clumps of birdseed to hide.
- The feeder is made from a hard plastic but if dropped, it will break.
The feeder is versatile enough to hold most types of bird food (except suet cake) and the perch is large enough to welcome a variety of sizes of birds. They also offer a variety of attachments for more food options like fruit and nectar.
Netvue, the company behind the Birdfy, offers a generous 2-year warranty on this product. They’ve been around in the bird-feeding industry for a few years now.
What Netvue lacks in longevity, it makes up for in dedication to improving the products based on user feedback. For example, when the Birdfy AI first came out in 2022 the bird ID feature was hit or miss. Improvements were made incrementally and now the bird ID is nearly 100%.
How to Mount The Feeder
You can mount the Netvue Birdfy by strapping it around a tree or post (strap & buckle are included) or screwing the mounting bracket to a tree or post (bracket included).
If you prefer to hang from a bird feeder pole (e.g. to prevent squirrels from accessing the food) you’ll need to make your own hanging system. The best solution I could come up with was to install the bracket to the top of a wooden block and screw the pole mounting flange to the bottom of the block.
I install all of my bird feeder cameras on the Squirrel Stopper Denali in my yard. It’s a sturdy pole equipped with a baffle that bounces around in all directions. Here’s a bit more detail depending on your situation:
Where to Buy
The Birdfy can be purchased on the Birdfy website or Amazon.
Birdfy Coupon: Save 10% when purchasing on Birdfy.com. Use coupon code “ONTHEFEEDER”.
Buy on Amazon
Check out my full review of the Birdfy.
If you don’t care about the bird identification feature (AI), you can save some money by buying the Birdfy Lite. See the pic below.
Does the Birdfy Require a Subscription?
The Birdfy AI does not require a subscription.
The Birdfy Lite does not require a subscription. However, if you wish to use the bird identification feature you must pay for the subscription.
If you’re thinking the Birdfy Lite looks a lot like the Birdfy AI, you’re right! The feeders are identical. There are a few differences in the camera capabilities between the AI and Lite.
- The Lite model costs about $20-$30 less, making it a terrific budget option.
- The AI model includes the ability to identify the bird species with no additional charge (a paid subscription is not needed).
- You can “convert” the Lite model to support bird identification by purchasing the subscription. The paid subscription is about $5/month.
Bird Buddy: Best for Tech Phobic
My Observations of the Birdfy
The device is preassembled, which is helpful for those not good with mechanics like me. The pamphlet had three simple steps:
- Charge the camera.
- Download and install the app.
- Make an account and follow the on-screen instructions.
The app’s language was easy to understand, unlike some others I’ve used before.
The app is very easy to use. Each time the device captures bird activity at the feeder, it alerts you on your phone. When you open the app you’re presented with a list of birds the feeder identified along with an icon of each bird. Surprisingly, the icon bears a likeness to the species of bird.
You’re then walked through the process of viewing the images and photos, saving, sharing, etc.
Here’s an example:
1. A house finch was captured on the feeder. You decide to “collect” the images. You tap “Collect”
2. The video displays and you like it. You tap “Yes, save the video”
3. You choose which photos to save.
For an experienced smart feeder app user, the app is almost too easy. The user is walked through actions step-by-step which took more time than I was used to. As a “super-user” I typically zip around from one screen to the next to view the video and share it if I want to.
In my opinion, Bird Buddy’s app interface is designed for people who are not very tech-savvy. While it’s simple for anyone to use, speed users (myself included) may find it slows them down because there is no way to skip steps.
The feeder’s motion detection feature is interesting. I didn’t understand it at first. I knew birds were coming to the feeder (I could see them from my window) but the camera wasn’t triggering to capture them. I learned it only captures images when the birds are in an ideal position for photography. This saves you from sifting through poor-quality videos.
However, Bird Buddy’s definition of an “ideal image” may differ from yours, potentially causing it to skip over the images you wanted to capture.
For instance, if an elusive Indigo Bunting appeared but Bird Buddy didn’t consider it still enough for a quality photo, it wouldn’t capture the video or photo, even though you might have wanted to know the bird was there regardless of the quality.
I was able to completely disassemble the feeder to clean it thoroughly. The camera was especially easy to remove.
How to Mount The Feeder
The Birdfy offers two mounting options: a universal mount and a metal hanger. I went with the universal mount, which I easily attached using four screws and a screwdriver. It fits well on top of my Squirrel Stopper pole system, which I recommend if you have squirrels nearby.
Soliom Humbirdy: Best for Hummingbirds
Pros
- Easy, intuitive app to view images & video.
- Easy to set up.
- Easy to clean.
- Leakproof to keep bees & ants out.
- Long battery life.
- 1-year warranty.
Cons
- Only attracts nectar-eating birds.
Score
5.0
Weather Resistant
5.0
Image Quality
5.0
Wireless
5.0
Easy to Setup
5.0
Easy to Use
5.0
Durability
5.0
Motion Detection
5.0
Battery Life
5.0
Easy to Clean
5.0
Warranty
5.0
Company
5.0
Bird ID
5.0
My Observations of the Soliom Smart Hummingbird Feeder
Other bird feeder cameras I Tested
Wasserstein & Blink
Wasserstein is a smart bird camera case. The Blink is an outdoor wireless camera. The Wasserstein is designed to hold the outdoor camera inside the enclosed, watertight case. Supported cameras include the Blink Outdoor, Ring Stick Up, Wyze Cam Outdoor, and Wyze Cam v3.
Together, the case and camera make an alternative option you may wish to consider.
The biggest difference between this setup and the smart feeders we’ve discussed is the Wasserstein/Blink do not have a bird identification feature. Some people don’t care about this feature and if that’s you, I recommend the Wasserstein & Blink. I especially recommend the combo if you already use one of the compatible camera models.
You can check out my full review of the Wasserstein & Blink here: Wasserstein Camera Case & Blink Review.
isYoung Smart AI Recognition Bird Feeder
The isYoung smart bird feeder did not score as high as the others. If you can live without the drawbacks associated with this feeder, it may be a good option for you.
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Good image quality.
- The weather-resistant enclosure keeps food dry and fresh.
- Included solar panel to keep batteries charged.
Cons
- Very poor setup instructions.
- Confusing smartphone app.
- Small food storage capacity.
- Cannot be easily mounted to a pole system.
- Bird identification accuracy only 50%
You can check out my full review of the isYoung feeder here: isYoung Smart Bird Feeder Review.
AUXCO Smart Bird Feeder
The AUXCO would have been another decent budget option but unfortunately is no longer available.
Buying Guide: Key Factors to Consider
After cutting through the endless list of features and marketing hype, I arrived at a shortlist of key factors that are important when buying a bird feeder camera.
Depending on your personal preferences or circumstances, I also listed a few optional factors you may want to consider as well.
Key Factors
- Weather-resistant so the rain, snow, and wind don’t destroy it. Look for an IP rating of 65 or better.
- Image quality so you’re able to clearly see the species of bird and what it’s doing. Look for HD video with 1080p.
- Wireless connectivity so you don’t have to run ugly outdoor approved extension cords to the bird feeder or depend on 5 hours of sunlight each day to keep the solar power camera charged. (Sure wouldn’t work in Wisconsin!)
- Easy to set up so you can start enjoying the birds quickly rather than studying the installation manual.
- Easy & convenient to view the images so you don’t have to bother your teenager every time you want to see what the birds have been up to, or so you don’t have to get out of your jammies to run outside for the memory card.
- Look for a camera with a smartphone app to view images from anywhere vs one that stores images on a memory device (SD card or jump drive). Memory devices require you to retrieve the memory device before viewing.
- This requirement is the reason I won’t recommend trail cameras for a bird feeder camera. At this time I’ve yet to find a wireless trail cam that doesn’t require you to view the images from the camera itself. Hopefully, that will change soon.
- Durability so the device doesn’t break, crack, or fall apart after usage.
- Motion detection so you’re only capturing images when a bird is on the feeder which saves on power and time when you want to go back and view the recordings.
- Long battery life so you’re not wasting time frequently recharging the battery.
- Easy to clean so the feeder gets cleaned to avoid the spread of disease. Proper cleaning includes a 1:9 bleach/water soak.
- Warranty to safeguard your purchase.
- Company so the product is backed by a company that knows the industry and will be around tomorrow to honor the warranty.
- Bird Identification so you can trust the identification information provided.
Optional Factors
- Price because you don’t have a money tree in the backyard.
- Audio because you want to hear what your feathered friends are tweeting.
- Night vision because you want to capture the birds early in the morning and late in the evening.
- Live view because you want to see what’s happening on the bird feeder RIGHT NOW!
- Notifications because you want to see what was happening at your feeder moments ago.
- Zoom capability is a nice feature especially if the image is too small to make out the bird details.
- No subscription is required so you spend less.
Key Takeaways
I spent months researching, purchasing, installing, and testing different bird feeder cameras to record birds at the feeder. Here are my recommendations:
- The best overall smart bird feeder is JCs Wildlife’s E-Z Fill Smart Feeder. It gets top scoring for all key requirements making it the best overall pick.
- The Netvue Birdfy AI comes in 2nd with a great choice – especially for smart app usability. Use coupon “ONTHEFEEDER” for 10% off this feeder from Birdfy.com.
- Tech-phobic people will love the Bird Buddy. Its unique interface caters specifically to those who lack confidence in smart apps.
- The best smart feeder for hummingbirds is the Soliom. It’s specially designed for the little hummers and the best choice for capturing images of this species.
You can’t go wrong with any of the above devices to record birds at the feeder.
What about you? What’s been your experience shopping for a bird feeder camera to spy on the birds? Please leave your comment below.
