Birding is one of life's great joys. The birds are so beautiful, and they are fun to watch, but you have to keep your distance so as not to scare them. Smart bird feeders—that is, bird feeders with connected cameras and apps—give you an up-close view of your backyard birds through captured images and live views in real-time (as long as your Wi -Fi arrive). They are becoming more and more popular, and tons of options are being released by reputable brands and Amazon clones. These are the best bird feeder cameras we've tested.

The apps use AI that can, in theory, identify bird species. In our testing, none had perfectly solid identifications. However, everyone has professionals who can appeal to you. You can use it Google Lens or, if you have an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, download the photos to your camera roll and click on the info button. It does a solid job of identifying birds. Although this is a work in progress, I wouldn't want to be without a bird feeder camera now that I've experienced it.

Bird watching is quite accessible as a hobby. You do not have to join a group or indeed buy something, but if you are interested, we have guides on the The best binoculars and The Best Birding Gearwith recommendations for our favorite apps, books and accessories.

Updated December 2024: We've added Netvue Birdfy's Feeder 2 Duo and Hum Feeder Duo and updated links and prices throughout.

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How we test bird feeders

Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested some feeders on a balcony in Texas and one in a backyard in Pennsylvania. In Texas, he installed them either on a table or secured to the railing with the included mounting straps. In Pennsylvania, he used the supports to attach to a pole. WIRED critic Kat Merck tested feeders in a rural-suburban neighborhood in Southwest Washington. The feeders were mounted directly on the house with the included brackets, or hung from a shepherd's hook mounted on the siding of the house.

After setting up, we both filled them with bird seed (or a 4-to-1 mixture of granulated sugar nectar and water) and waited patiently for the local birds to find them. We checked all the features of the included app, seeing how many times we had notifications and noting if they accurately capture only birds or any kind of outdoor movement, and how well they are able to distinguish bird species. We disassembled and cleaned them, returning them to their mounts later. We test each one for at least two weeks, but usually for more than a month.

The best feeder (and a plastic alternative)

Birdfy, from the security company Netvue, has two feeders recommended. This bamboo is the best, but it comes with a little maintenance. It has no plastic parts like the rest of the feeders on this list, and with its black and natural wood tones, it looks like it belongs in nature. An extendable perch allows many birds to gather and investigate, and has two large bins for different types of seeds or the same. The bins get mixed up in the jar at the bottom, though. U FeatherSnap feeder below use separate bins and trays if you prefer.

Like the other feeders on this list, it can be mounted on a pole or tree or hung from a hook. It also comes with a solar panel that you can mount as well, so you never have to think about charging the camera's battery.

As beautiful as the bamboo feeder is, it needs maintenance. Birdfy notes that the feeder has a waterproof rating of IP65 and that it is resistant to mold and rot. However, the user manual says it must be sealed. Via RedditBirdfy recommends sealing using a bird free wood sealer. I can't comment directly on its durability, since when I tested this feeder I used it on a table on my covered balcony.

Plastic, while not as beautiful as wood, is more durable and easier to clean. Birdfy's plastic house is another great option to consider, and it's often discounted. Not all bundles come with a solar panel, but you can buy separately.