Holiday sales drop smart bird feeder prices to $110 for solar models

Smart bird feeders, first sold in 2020, now routinely include high-resolution cameras, 4K recording and AI identification of species, features a reviewer says rarely miss. Early holiday discounts have lowered prices on three models from Birdfy and Kiwibit.

The Birdfy feeder with a solar panel is listed at $127, a 29 percent reduction, on the blue version. The yellow color costs $13 more. A model without the solar panel sells for $110, and the reviewer recommends paying the extra $17, saying Birdfy's panels have been very reliable and spare owners from bringing the feeder indoors to charge. The device supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and carries a two-year warranty.

For shoppers who want a feeder that lasts through the seasons with an easy app and no major features locked behind a subscription, the reviewer calls the Birdfy the best choice.

The Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof sells for $170, also 29 percent off, which the reviewer says is the lowest price seen for the model. Its 1.5-liter seed hopper holds two types of feed and lifts out by a handle on top, so refilling does not require taking the feeder down. The device captures 8-megapixel photos and 4K video, and its solar roof kept it charged in all kinds of weather during testing. The app works without a Kiwibit Plus subscription, though more features are moving behind the paywall. The model supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and carries a one-year warranty.

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

The reviewer notes sturdier designs exist, such as the Kiwibit, and some feeders carry better cameras, including Camojojo's 32MP Hibird. Those options cost more or ship with unreliable apps and paywalled features. Most feeders need little upkeep beyond refilling seed, provided the pole mount follows the 5-7-9 rule, which helps keep squirrels away.