Holiday Birding: Smart Feeder Prices Drop to $110

Shoppers can now buy smart bird feeders from Birdfy and Kiwibit at prices between $110 and $170. The discounts, which reach 29 percent, are part of early holiday promotions. A Wired reviewer who has tested these devices for years says the current prices make them suitable for gifts or personal use.

The market for smart feeders launched in 2020. Today, even mid-range units include high-resolution cameras, 4K video recording, and AI bird identification that the reviewer describes as rarely missing. Most models require minimal maintenance beyond refilling seed. Placement follows a 5-7-9 rule for pole mounts, a method that helps keep squirrels away.

The top recommendation is the original Birdfy feeder with a solar panel. It is listed at $127, a 29 percent reduction from its original price. This discount applies only to the blue model. The yellow version costs $13 more. The reviewer notes that sturdier designs like the Kiwibit and higher-resolution cameras from Camojojo exist, but those options often cost more or rely on unreliable apps and paywalled features.

Buyers seeking a dependable feeder with an easy app and no major subscription requirements should consider the Birdfy. A version without the solar panel costs $110. The reviewer recommends paying the extra $17 for the solar option because Birdfy’s panels have proven reliable. This spares owners from bringing the feeder indoors for charging. The device 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 reflecting a 29 percent discount. This is not the company’s newest model, as the Feeder 2 Pro costs $220. However, the reviewer calls the standard Feeder 2 exceedingly well designed and notes this is the lowest price they have seen. Its 1.5-liter seed hopper holds two types of feed and lifts out by a handle, allowing refills without removing the entire unit.

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 maintained charge in all weather during testing. The app is easy to use and functions without the Kiwibit Plus subscription, though more features are moving behind a paywall. The feeder works only on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and carries a one-year warranty.

A third option is the Kiwibit 4K Feeder with auxiliary solar, available for $140, a 26 percent discount. It uses the same camera and hardware as the Feeder 2 but lacks a built-in solar roof. The included 3-watt solar panel mounts on the back of the wall bracket. Buyers who want Kiwibit’s build quality and image resolution can save $30 with this configuration.

Prices for these devices will remain discounted during the early holiday sales period. The specific models and price points apply to the current inventory of Birdfy and Kiwibit products.