Early Holiday Sales Put Smart Bird Feeders at $110

Smart bird feeders from Birdfy and Kiwibit are seeing early price cuts ahead of the holiday season. Discounts of up to 29% have lowered the cost of specific models to between $110 and $170. A Wired reviewer who has tested these devices for years says the current prices make them worth buying for personal use or as gifts.

These devices have been available since 2020. According to the reviewer, even mid-range units now feature high-resolution cameras, 4K video recording, and artificial intelligence that identifies bird species with high accuracy. Maintenance is minimal if the feeder is placed using the 5-7-9 rule for pole mounts, which helps keep squirrels away.

The top recommendation is the original Birdfy feeder with a solar panel. It is listed at $127, a 29% discount. This price applies only to the blue version; the yellow model costs $13 more. The reviewer notes that the solar panel mounts separately. A version without the solar panel costs $110, but the extra $17 for the panel is worth it because Birdfy's panels are reliable and prevent owners from having to bring the feeder indoors to charge. The model supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and comes with a two-year warranty.

The Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof is priced at $170, also a 29% reduction. This is not the newest model, as the Feeder 2 Pro costs $220. However, the reviewer calls the standard version exceedingly well designed and notes that this is the lowest price they have seen for it. The 1.5-liter seed hopper is split to hold two types of feed. It lifts out of the body by a top handle, allowing users to refill the feeder without taking the whole unit down.

The Feeder 2 captures 8-megapixel photos and 4K video. The reviewer rates this image quality as top-tier for the price. The solar roof kept the device charged in various weather conditions during testing. The app works without the Kiwibit Plus subscription, though the reviewer says more features are moving behind the paywall. The feeder operates on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and has a one-year warranty.

A third option is the Kiwibit 4K Feeder with auxiliary solar, available for $140 after a 26% discount. It uses the same camera and hardware as the Feeder 2 but lacks the built-in solar roof. The reviewer installed the included 3-watt solar panel on the back of the wall mount without trouble. Buyers who want Kiwibit's build quality and image resolution can save $30 by choosing this model over the Feeder 2.