Smart camera feeder: which birds use it
A hopper feeder with a built-in camera that records visitors and identifies species in an app. The fastest growing category in backyard birding.
Is a smart camera feeder right for your yard?
| Holds | Sunflower, hearts, mixes |
|---|---|
| Best for | Cardinals, Chickadees, Titmice, House Finches, Blue Jays, Nuthatches |
| Not for | Anyone with no Wi-Fi reach to the feeder spot |
| Squirrels | Poor to moderate; mount on a baffled pole |
| Cleaning | Easy trays on most models |
| Price range tracked | $38.49 to $299 |
Smart camera feeders from budget to premium
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Tube feeder: The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing.
- Hopper feeder: A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
- Platform or tray feeder: Draws the widest range of species, including ground feeders. Needs a mesh floor for drainage and daily cleanup.
- Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder: A spring-loaded shroud drops over the ports under a squirrel's weight. The most reliable squirrel-proof design at a hanging feeder.
Ranked picks: Best smart bird feeder camera.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Hopper feeder · Platform or tray feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Nyjer sock · Suet cage · Tail-prop suet feeder · Peanut mesh feeder · Peanut wreath · Window feeder · Hummingbird feeder · Oriole feeder · Mealworm feeder
Get the printable checklist
One page with every item, the placement distances and the cleaning schedule. We send it once. No sales sequence.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds use a smart camera feeder?
cardinals, chickadees, titmice, house finches, blue jays and nuthatches use it most. A hopper feeder with a built-in camera that records visitors and identifies species in an app. The fastest growing category in backyard birding. It is not a good fit for anyone with no Wi-Fi reach to the feeder spot.
What do you put in a smart camera feeder?
Sunflower, hearts, mixes. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a smart camera feeder squirrel-proof?
Poor to moderate; mount on a baffled pole. The only complete protection for any feeder is a smooth pole with a baffle whose bottom edge sits 4 to 5 feet up, placed at least 10 feet from trees, fences, decks and roofs.
How do you clean a smart camera feeder?
Easy trays on most models. Every two weeks, or weekly in wet weather, empty it, scrub with hot soapy water, soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for ten minutes, rinse well and let it dry completely before refilling.
How much does a good smart camera feeder cost?
Listings we track run from $38.49 to $299. The cheapest models work, but mid-priced ones usually add metal ports, sturdier hangers and easier cleaning, which is what decides whether a feeder lasts one season or ten.