Explore the Hidden World of Hummingbirds: A Review of the Birdfy Hum Feeder Review

Dive deeper into the intimate daily activities of hummingbirds with a camera feeder, offering unprecedented insights into their fascinating behaviors.
Debbie Wolfe Avatar
Hummingbird feeding from Birdfy Hum Feeder Camera in front of wood fence
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

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The Birdfy Hum Feeder by Netvue is no ordinary hummingbird feeder. It’s your high-tech peek into the daily dance of these dazzling birds. Set up in my suburban garden, this feeder isn’t just about bird-watching; it’s about bringing the latest smart technology to your backyard.

Through its dual high-definition cameras, the Birdfy Hum feeder does more than show hummingbirds fluttering around. Over several weeks, I watched as it recorded every flicker and shimmer of their tiny wings in crisp 2048p resolution, revealing details of hummingbird life that usually go unseen. You can truly see the quick dips and dives—and even the competitive squabbles—that are part of their world.

The Birdfy Hum feeder seamlessly merges the marvels of nature with the ease of modern technology, creating an educational and entertaining experience. Whether you’re a serious bird enthusiast or simply enjoy a casual glance outdoors, this feeder will revolutionize your view, offering an up-close look at the hummingbirds’ antics. It’s not just a feeder; it’s a window to nature from the comfort of your home.

Hummingbird on the narrow ledge of Birdfy hummingbird feeder next to a tall wood fence and tree
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

Birdfy Hum Feeder: At a Glance

Our rating: 4.8/5

What We LikeWhat We Don’t Like
High-definition dual-camera setupBattery doesn’t last long without solar panel
Excellent image and video quality
No subscription required for advanced features

What is the Birdfy Hum feeder?

The Birdfy Hum feeder is an innovative approach to bird-watching, particularly designed for hummingbird enthusiasts. Developed by Netvue, this hummingbird feeder is not just a place for birds to eat but a technologically advanced observation platform. It is distinguished by its dual-camera system, a standout feature not commonly found in traditional bird feeders.

Each camera boasts a 2K resolution, providing crystal-clear images and videos. It can hold a sufficient amount of nectar to attract hummingbirds without needing frequent refills. Designed for easy hanging, it can be placed in various outdoor settings to maximize bird traffic. What sets the Birdfy Hum feeder apart is its ability to feed hummingbirds and provide bird-watchers with a detailed, up-close view of them. The dual cameras offer different perspectives: One captures the frontal view of the feeding birds, while the other gives a side view, allowing observers to study the fine details and behaviors of hummingbirds.

The Birdfy Hum feeder also has smart features such as AI recognition and real-time notifications. This technology can identify various hummingbird species and send alerts to the user’s phone when birds are detected, making it useful for both casual bird-watchers and avid ornithologists. The combination of educational engagement and technological innovation places the Birdfy Hum feeder in a category of its own among bird-feeding products.

Birdfy Hum Feeder Specs
Camera resolution2048p
Feed capacity20 ounces
Installation methodHang

Birdfy Hum Feeder Unboxing

Unboxing the Birdfy Hum feeder is an exciting experience for any bird-watching enthusiast. Packaged neatly, the box includes the main feeder unit and user-friendly tools to facilitate a hassle-free setup. These tools include a durable hanging cord, a precise bottle cleaner for maintaining hygiene, an extra silicone gasket to prevent hummingbird nectar leaks, and a USB charging cable for easy power management. Including these tools highlights the feeder’s commitment to convenience and functionality, enabling users to set it up and maintain it quickly with minimal effort.

Birdfy Hum Feeder Setup

Setting up the Birdfy Hum feeder proved to be a surprisingly straightforward process, although not without its hitches. The physical setup was simple: I hung the feeder in a suitable spot in my garden, an area known to attract hummingbirds.

However, the initial app setup encountered a snag when connecting the feeder to my Wi-Fi network. This step is crucial as it allows the feeder’s dual smart cameras to stream and record videos directly to my phone, providing those stunning 2K close-up views of hummingbirds. Thankfully, Netvue’s customer service was exceptional in handling this hiccup. Upon accessing the chat function within the Birdfy app, I was promptly greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable customer service representative. The rep guided me through the process, starting with troubleshooting steps to ensure the feeder was in the correct Wi-Fi configuration mode, as indicated by a flashing blue light.

Their instructions were clear and precise, making it easy to follow along. The rep even stayed on the chat until I successfully connected the feeder, ensuring everything was working perfectly before concluding the session. This level of attentiveness and support set Netvue apart, confirming its reputation for excellent customer service.

Aside from a small connectivity issue, the setup process for the Birdfy Hum feeder was smooth, supported by helpful documentation, and enhanced by the responsive customer service team at Netvue. 

Two hummingbirds looking at each other on Birdfy Hum Feeder Camera
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

Dual-Camera Technology

The Birdfy Hum feeder takes hummingbird watching to a whole new level with its dual-camera setup. Each high-definition camera captures unique angles—one faces forward for head-on views, and the other gives a detailed side perspective. This clever design ensures that nothing is missed, allowing you to see every tiny detail of hummingbird life that usually goes unnoticed.

With its 2K resolution, the feeder turns simple bird-watching into a vibrant, up-close encounter. You can marvel at the shimmering colors of the hummingbirds’ feathers as they change with the sunlight and watch their incredibly fast wing movements that are almost too quick to see with the naked eye. You’ll even catch the subtler sides of their world, like their competitive antics at the feeder or their gentle sipping of nectar.

Moreover, the Birdfy Hum feeder smartly records and saves video automatically whenever it detects motion, freeing you from constantly monitoring it. You can easily access all this footage through the Birdfy app to watch, save, and share these amazing moments. Best of all, the app does not require a subscription service to use! Birdfy will save all footage for 30 days, and you can download videos and photos to your phone.

This feeder does more than feed birds—it opens a window to their world, offering a clarity that feels almost magical. It’s not just about bird-watching; it’s about fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of hummingbirds, contributing to educational and conservation efforts. With the Birdfy Hum feeder, you get a front-row seat to the hidden life of these enchanting creatures.

Birdfy App’s AI Functions and Other Features

The Birdfy App is transforming the way we watch birds. It packs some pretty impressive AI tech into a user-friendly package that’s perfect for any bird lover. It uses state-of-the-art AI to identify over 6,000 bird species, making bird-watching not just fun but also educational. You can easily snap photos and then sort and save them by species in your own digital collection, so revisiting those special moments is just a tap away.

Birdfy has a built-in social network that allows you to share your bird photos and stories with other bird enthusiasts. It’s a great way to connect, share knowledge, and grow your passion for birds together. However, be warned: Once you start watching footage from other birders’ feeders, you’ll go down a rabbit hole!

And the cherry on top? You get all these awesome features for free—no subscription fees! While other bird feeder cameras charge for full access, Birdfy keeps things simple and wallet-friendly, offering unlimited access to its tools and community without costing a dime. There are options for premium subscriptions, which only gives you more storage time if you need or want it. This makes it a practical choice for anyone eager to deepen their bird-watching experience without breaking the bank.

Maintenance and Battery Life

Looking after the Birdfy Hum feeder is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design tailored for frequent use. Initially, I had to recharge the dual-camera system every 3 days due to the high traffic—almost 200 hummingbird visits daily! However, adding the optional solar panel turned out to be a brilliant move. Since setting it up, I no longer have to worry about manual recharging, which means I can enjoy nonstop bird-watching without any interruptions.

The solar panel fits seamlessly onto the feeder, preserving its look while boosting functionality. It excels on sunny days, keeping the battery fully charged without needing my input. Even on overcast days, it gathers enough energy to significantly reduce the number of times I need to charge the battery manually.

Cleaning is just as easy. The Birdfy Hum feeder includes specific tools that simplify taking it apart, cleaning it, and putting it back together. This is vital, as clean feeders are more attractive to birds and prevent diseases. With these tools, I can ensure the feeder is spotless in no time, ready for its next admirers.

Hummingbird sitting on bird feeder looking for other birds
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

Why You’ll Love the Birdfy Hum Feeder

If you love hummingbirds or enjoy the wonders of nature, the Birdfy Hum feeder is worth the investment. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to connect with nature without stepping outside, making it a thoughtful gift for individuals with mobility challenges.

The Birdfy Hum feeder is not just a source of entertainment but also a tool for learning. With its real-time video streaming and automatic recording, accessible through a straightforward app, you can observe the behavior of these tiny birds on your phone or tablet anytime. The feeder’s smart tech not only lets you watch these birds but also helps identify the species visiting your garden, deepening your understanding and appreciation of each visitor.

Ideal for bird lovers or as a way to bring the beauty of nature closer to those who can’t easily explore it, the Birdfy Hum feeder is more than just a bird feeder. It’s a window to a dynamic, fluttering world, offering close-up encounters with hummingbirds that many might never have the opportunity to experience so intimately.

Where to Buy the Birdfy Hum Feeder

Meet the Tester

Debbie Wolfe is a dedicated bird enthusiast who especially cherishes the vibrant world of hummingbirds. Her passion for these tiny, energetic birds is matched by her enthusiasm for discovering innovative gadgets that elevate the bird-watching experience.

Debbie Wolfe Avatar

Debbie Wolfe

Contributing Writer & Editor

Debbie Wolfe is a freelance writer, photographer, and author who specializes in a variety of fields. She’s been contributing to BobVila.com since March of 2020 but has been writing in the home and garden industry for 10 years. Debbie covers all topics pertaining to home, gardening, and food, and she has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets.

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