hoangbre@gmail.com
The best bird feeder cameras offer an instant upgrade to your birdwatching hobby, giving you a clear view of the different winged species that visit your garden. After testing a range of bird feeder cameras, we can understand the appeal of getting real-time wireless alerts direct to your smartphone.
Of all the bird feeder cameras we’ve reviewed, the one we’d want in our garden is the Netvue Birdie AI. We like its sleek design, easy app and bird recognition features. Plus you can add a solar panel to keep it powered up for a lot longer. But we also know that you might want something simpler, cheaper or a system you can build yourself.
The idea of this guide is to help you find the right bird feeder camera for your needs and budget. Every option recommended below has been tested in the real world by our expert team, from installation to video streaming. We’ve distilled the results for each entry, as well as outlining our testing process at the bottom of this page.
The quick list
Want to get straight to the best bird feeder camera for your needs? Use our quick round-up below to immediately find a bird feeder camera that suits you – and you can read more about it by jumping to our full write-ups and explanations using the links.
1. Netvue Birdfy Feeder AI
The best bird feeder camera overall
A well-made bird feeder camera with a range of mounting options, the Birdfy offers great battery life, AI species recognition and real-time bird alerts.
Read more below
2. Bird Buddy Smart Bird feeder
The best for sharing video
With a sleek design and user-friendly app, the Bird Buddy is fun and easy to use. AI recognition tracks which birds visit and how often.
Read more below
3. Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case
The best budget bird feeder camera
Add your existing Blink Outdoor or Ring Stick-Up security camera to this case for an affordable and flexible way to record visiting wildlife.
Read more below
4. Green Feathers Bird Feeder Camera Bundle
The best for DIY enthusiasts
A metal-bodied camera that attaches to a wooden bracket, this bundle is a neat kit for DIY enthusiasts. Add your own feeder to attract garden visitors.
Read more below
The best stylish bird feeder camera
Crafted from sustainable bamboo, this feeder clads the Birdfy above in a stylish jacket, while keeping its bird recognition and security features.
Read more below
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. With more than 15 years’ experience in the photo industry, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge of all things camera related. He used to live in Kenya, where he spent a lot of time photographing wildlife. As a result, he understands what a good bird feeder camera should be capable of. Tim notes, “the smartest bird feeder cameras are all-in-one solutions with features such as AI recognition. If you’re happy with a simpler solution, you can save money with a DIY installation.”
The best Bird Feeder Cameras in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best bird feeder cameras in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best bird feeder camera overall
Netvue Birdfy Feeder AI sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want real-time recognition: The Birdfy can detect and identify birds in real time, sending you instant activity notifications.
✅ You want versatile mounting options: The camera comes with a useful range of mounts for trees, feeder poles and more.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t need AI recognition: If you’re happy identifying bird species yourself, you can find better value elsewhere.
❌ You prefer a natural look: Unlike the wooden feeders in this list, the Birdfy stands out in the garden with its sturdy plastic build.
We think the Netvue Birdfy AI is the best choice if you want a straightforward bird feeder camera that’s easy to use. In testing, we found it a sturdy plastic feeder, and we commented positively on the range of included mounting options, including a strap for mounting it to a tree. We liked that the camera can be angled, so you can tailor the view depending on the size of the birds that you expect to visit. We also found the image quality for both photos and Full HD video pretty good.
The highlight of the Netvue system is AI recognition, which alerts you as to which species of birds, or squirrel, has landed on your feeder. It’s not perfect, but we found it impressively accurate in testing. Battery life was impressive, too, and our review indicates that you can expect a week or more before needing to recharge, depending on how much activity the feeder gets. The optional solar panel accessory will ensure that you never have to charge the battery again.
Read our in-depth Netvue Birdfy Feeder AI review
The best for sharing video
Bird Buddy Smart Bird feeder sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want to share on social: With a 9:16 portrait aspect ratio, footage from the feeder is perfect for sharing on social media.
✅ You want AI identification: AI recognition does well when it comes to identifying the bird species that have visited the feeder.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want high-res footage: 720p recordings are fine for social, but other bird feeder cameras offer higher resolution video footage.
❌ You want a wall mount as standard: The are plenty of mounting options, but the useful wall mount is sold separately.
The Bird Buddy is a user friendly bird feeder camera for those who live on social media. Although it only records at 720p, we found image quality good in our review, and we like that its portrait 9:16 orientation video is perfect for sharing online. There is even an option to share within the community in the app, which allows you to see what birds are visiting Bird Buddy camera feeders all over the world. The orientation and the position of the small stepped perch also mean that birds are close to the camera and make up a large portion of the image.
We found that the camera module itself slots neatly in an out when it needs charging, although the optional solar panel roof means you may never have to do this. We think everything is beautifully designed, especially the app, but there are some catches. We found that it lacks the security camera features of other bird feeder cameras, and you won’t receive a notification of every visit, just the most notable ones. Still, this remains a great bird feeder camera for those who want style, simplicity and to easily share bird sightings on social media.
Read our in-depth Bird Buddy Camera Feeder review
The best budget bird feeder camera
Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case sample video (Blink)
Buy it if:
✅ You already own a security cam: This case lets you save money by incorporating an existing wireless camera into the feeder casing.
✅ You appreciate an easy setup: Installing your security camera and mounting the unit are both straightforward processes.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want AI species recognition: Using a standard security camera means you don’t get the in-depth bird features of other feeders.
❌ You want to pole-mount it: There are a few mounting options, but there isn’t one for attaching it to a bird feeder pole.
If you’ve already got a Ring Stick-Up or Blink Outdoor camera, we think the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera case is the best budget option for you. The plastic case lets you add your own camera so that your bird watching can fully integrate with your Ring or Blink home security system. In our review, we liked that the case comes with a few mounting options, including a 3/4-inch screw thread for standard camera accessories. The brown and transparent case also means it’s one of the more natural-looking bird feeder camera cases available, which we found helps it to blend in a little more naturally on trees and wooden fence posts or sheds.
As it relies on the app of your chosen home security camera, you don’t benefit from any specific bird recognition features, such as AI bird recognition. We also noted in our review that the focusing can be slightly off. Overall, the cost and reliability of using an existing system makes it a superb choice for those on a budget, even if you have to buy a camera to use in the case.
Read our in-depth Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case Review
The best for the DIY enthusiast
Green Feathers Bird Feeder Camera sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You’re handy with DIY: A small amount of assembly makes this a satisfying project, plus the wooden frame can be customized.
✅ You like the natural look: The wooden finish of the frame gives the Green Feathers system a more natural character.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a cordless camera: Mains power is required for the camera, which means you need a nearby socket for 24/7 coverage.
❌ You want an eye-level view: Because it looks down on the feeder, the camera angle is less immersive than others in this list.
The key to the Green Feathers Bird Feeder Camera Bundle is its solid wooden frame. This comes pre-built, but does require you to do a bit of screwing to attach the camera and the its protective shield. In our review, we noted that the wooden construction also makes it easy to customize yourself, while adding your own bird feeder means you can opt for a squirrel-proof one. We also found in testing that the solid metal camera captures good-quality Full HD video, which can be saved to a Micro SD card, as well as the optional Green Feathers online service which can be found in the app.
There are a few catches: we found that the camera angle faces slightly downwards, so you don’t get the eye-level view of other camera feeders. It also requires mains power, which may be an issues for some households. Finally, we found that swinging in the wind sets off the motion detection in the app, meaning you get inundated with alerts, with no option currently to change the sensitivity. All that being said, for the DIY enthusiast prepared to work with the components, we think it’s a good option.
Read our in-depth Green Feathers Bird Feeder Camera Bundle
Best for style
Netvue Birdfy Bamboo sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want a stylish feeder: With a body made from sustainable bamboo, this feeder has an attractively natural look.
✅ You want AI bird recognition: Based on the Birdfy feeder above, the bamboo version benefits from the same AI smarts.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a squirrel-proof feeder: The bamboo body is less resistant than plastic to gnawing and claw marks from squirrels.
❌ You want a compact feeder: The bamboo construction makes this larger and heavier, which can make it trickier to mount.
Netvue has taken the camera and AI bird recognition system used in their Birdfy Feeder AI and revamped it a stylish new design made from sustainable bamboo. We think it’s much more appealing aesthetically, even if it makes the feeder more susceptible to damage from squirrels. To our eyes, it’s sleek and contemporary, and the natural bamboo colors mean it looks equally as good mounted to a tree as it does on the wall of your house.
In testing, we found that all of the positives in the fully featured Netvue Birdfy are also present in the Bamboo version, including a Full HD camera, Bird AI recognition, local and online storage options and an optional solar panel to keep the battery topped up. Like the standard version it has everything you could need for keeping track of which birds are visiting your garden.
Read our in-depth Netvue Birdfy Bamboo review
How to build your own bird feeder camera
How to build your own bird feeder camera
If you don’t have access to a garden and the options above all sound a little pricey, there’s another way: pairing a security camera with a generic window feeder (see the setup, below).
The window feeder we picked was just £15 from Amazon UK, or its $20 at Amazon US, and there are plenty of similar options wherever you live. The feeder attaches to a window using suction cups, and you can then position a security camera next to the feeder – we opted to do this indoors which meant we could use the cheaper Blink Mini rather than the pricier Blink Outdoors – though the latter is a decent option, too. Our combined setup cost just $50 / £40 – bargain!
Setup is super simple. On a practical note, you may wish to pick a window in a quiet room in the house in order to avoid birds being frightened away.
You don’t get the same bird detection features as dedicated bird feeder cameras, but you do get notifications of any action and a live feed for a welcome distraction watching your feathered visitors (or, just as likely, squirrels).
Check out our article that unpacks our experience building a bird feeder camera using a Blink security camera and window feeder and how you can do it too.
How to choose the best bird feeder camera for you
How to choose the best bird feeder camera
Bird feeder cameras are a modern solution to the old bird-watching hobby. Combining a bird feeder with a small camera, you can see who is visiting your garden for some food, but that is just the start of the journey.
Mounting
The first consideration is where you are planning to mount the feeder. Whilst most feeders are essentially the same, they differ in how and where they can be mounted. Brackets are often included for mounting to a wall, fence posts or a shed. You can also find straps that allow them to be mounted to trees, while pole mounts and hanging options are further options with some feeders, so it is important to buy the correct feeders for your needs.
Protection
Will you want to keep unwanted guests, such as squirrels, from having easy access to your feeder? It is best to look for a feeder with a few mounting options or additional mounting accessories so you have a plan B if you change your mind.
Camera
Next up is the camera itself. The basic premise is the same: a small security-style camera sits in front of the bird food and perch so that you can see who is coming to visit. Most are limited to Full HD resolution, which will be enough to identify birds clearly and share to social media.
Orientation
Some cameras may show footage in a portrait orientation, making the bird look very large on your phone screen and making it great for sharing on social media. Still, the narrower perspective often means the bird’s body disappears out of the frame if they are perched side on.
Tilting
Some cameras may have the option to be tilted, so you can adjust the position based on the size of birds that regularly visit.
Connectivity
Each of the cameras will connect via Wi-Fi, and the range will depend on both how strong your home Wi-Fi signal is and the strength of the antenna used by the camera. Bird feeders with an external antenna will have a stronger signal allowing them to be placed further from your house and maintain a reliable connection.
Power
Most devices will use a built-in battery, and you will find that most have a similar battery life. However, the longevity can be boosted by adding a solar panel, which often comes bundled with the feeder, or as an optional accessory. If the solar panel can be placed in a bright spot with a good few hours of daylight, you may go weeks or months without charging the battery in the summer. It is an option to look for if you plan to mount the camera to a tree or somewhere that isn’t easily accessible.
Accessories
Then there are other non-essential accessories. Depending on the types of birds that visit, you may want to look for a bird feeder camera with a perch or holder that can hold other food besides seeds and nuts. Some can hold pieces of fruit or fat balls, and most have a liquid holder so hummingbirds can stop by and drink. Again, these are optional but worth looking at, depending on where you live.
App
Smartphone apps notify you when a bird visits or when motion is detected, and allow you to view the video feed from your camera. Most also allow you to change the sensitivity settings or how regularly you receive motion notification alerts. You may also be able to adjust the quality or length of the created video recordings. Other useful features include turning off notifications or monitoring at sunset and not turning it back on until sunrise to help save battery life and prevent getting notifications overnight. However, given that some of these devices can also be used as home outdoor security cameras, you may want to turn this option on.
AI recognition
Bird feeder apps that use AI bird recognition are super helpful. These will detect which bird has landed and send you a specific notification so you can stick your head out the window and look or check the footage or live view from the camera. Not all AI recognition capabilities are 100% accurate, but we can expect the software to continue improving over the next few years.
How we test Bird Feeder Cameras
Why you can trust TechRadar
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Each bird feeder camera that we test gets mounted in a garden and left for several days so that we can assess various things, including how the birds react to using the feeder.
Assembly
In the first instance, we look at how easy it is to assemble, install and use the bird feeder. This includes mounting the feeder to a tree and a wall and assessing any other mounting options included.
Power
Power is a major consideration, and we test how easy it is to charge the camera batteries and how often you will need to charge them – though generally, each will last for about a week, depending on various circumstances and individual use. We also look at alternative power options, including the ability to recharge from a battery bank or a solar panel.
App
Then there is the app that allows you to view the footage remotely. Whilst the majority of these all operate in a similar manner, each has its own quirks, and we look at how easy each app is to use, as well as, of course, assessing the image quality itself. If the app includes bird recognition, we will comment on how accurate this is, having hopefully tried it on a small variety of garden birds found in the UK.
Weather
Finally, there is the weather. It is expected that each camera can withstand a variety of different weather conditions. While we can’t test for every eventually, we will at least ensure that each camera has been out in the rain and lived to tell the tale.
Verdict
We then take everything we’ve learned about the bird feeder camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value for money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.
