Smart Bird Feeders Hit $110 as Early Holiday Discounts Begin
Wired testers rate discounted models from Birdfy and Kiwibit as top gifts, with prices dropping by up to 29 percent.
By Julian Kobayashi ·
Smart bird feeders from Birdfy and Kiwibit are now available for as low as $110 during early Black Friday sales. A Wired reviewer who has tested these devices for years recommends buying them now, either for personal use or as gifts. The current deals cover several models, with final prices ranging between $110 and $170.
The top recommendation is the original Birdfy feeder equipped with a solar panel. It is listed at $127, reflecting a 29 percent discount. This price applies only to the blue version, while the yellow model costs $13 more. A version without the solar panel is available for $110. The reviewer advises paying the extra $17 for the solar option, noting that Birdfy's panels have proven reliable and eliminate the need to bring the unit indoors for charging. The device supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and includes a two-year warranty.
The Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof is also discounted by 29 percent, bringing its price to $170. Although it is not the latest model, the reviewer describes the standard version as exceedingly well designed and notes that $170 is the lowest price they have seen for it. This feeder features a 1.5-liter hopper that splits to hold two types of seed. A handle on top allows the hopper to lift out for refilling, so users do not need to detach the entire unit from the pole.
The Feeder 2 captures 8-megapixel photos and records 4K video, which the reviewer rates as top-tier for its price range. The solar roof kept the device charged in various weather conditions during testing. The companion app functions without the Kiwibit Plus subscription, though the reviewer observes that more features are moving behind the paywall. The unit operates on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and carries a one-year warranty.
A third option is the Kiwibit 4K Feeder with an auxiliary solar panel, priced at $140 after a 26 percent discount. This model uses the same camera and hardware as the Feeder 2 but lacks the built-in solar roof. The reviewer successfully installed the included 3-watt panel on the back of the wall mount. Buyers seeking Kiwibit's build quality and image resolution can save $30 by choosing this version over the solar-roof model.
Smart feeders have been on the market since 2020. Modern versions offer high-resolution cameras, 4K video, and AI bird identification that rarely misses. Most units require little maintenance beyond refilling seed, provided they are installed using the 5-7-9 rule for pole mounts to keep squirrels away. Other options, such as the Camojojo Hibird, offer better cameras but often come with higher prices, unreliable apps, or paywalled features.
Source: Wired
