Early Holiday Discounts Reduce Smart Bird Feeder Prices to $110

Early Black Friday pricing has begun on smart bird feeders from Birdfy and Kiwibit, with discounts ranging from 26% to 29%. The lowest price point is $110 for the Birdfy feeder without a solar panel, while the most expensive discounted model listed is the Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof at $170.

Smart feeders entered the market in 2020. According to a Wired reviewer who has tested the devices for years, even moderately priced units now feature high-resolution cameras, 4K video recording, and AI bird identification that rarely misses a species. Most models require little maintenance beyond refilling seed, provided they are installed using the 5-7-9 rule for pole mounts to deter squirrels.

The primary recommendation is the original Birdfy feeder with a solar panel, currently listed at $127. This price represents a 29% discount and applies only to the blue version; the yellow model costs $13 more. The reviewer advises paying the extra $17 for the solar version over the $110 non-solar model because Birdfy panels have proven reliable and eliminate the need to bring the unit indoors for charging. The device supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and includes a two-year warranty.

The Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof is priced at $170, also a 29% reduction. 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 states that $170 is the lowest price they have seen for it. The unit features a 1.5-liter seed hopper that splits to hold two feed types and lifts out by a top handle, allowing for refills without removing the entire feeder.

The Feeder 2 captures 8-megapixel photos and 4K video, which the reviewer rates as top-tier at this price point. The solar roof maintained charge in various weather conditions during testing. The app functions without a Kiwibit Plus subscription, although the reviewer notes that more features are moving behind a paywall. This model also operates 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 after a 26% 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 to the back of the wall bracket. Buyers seeking Kiwibit build quality and image resolution can save $30 compared to the Feeder 2 with a solar roof.