Review Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Pro: AI smart feeder
Testing the $269 Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Pro with 4K video and AI alerts, before pests like pigeons and mice ruined the experience.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Testing the $269 Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Pro smart bird feeder
- AI alerts accurately identified species like Great Tits and Eurasian Blue Tits
- Problems arose when bulky pigeons and mice invaded to steal expensive sunflower seeds
- The author recommends starting with simple, non-AI alternatives before committing
The journey began a few weeks after Thomas Ricker, deputy editor at The Verge, mounted the Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Pro in his garden. Originally retailing for $350, he purchased it for $269. At first, dozens of tiny, colorful birds flocked to the yard, accompanied by AI-driven smartphone alerts popping up with messages like "Looks like Great Tit!" and "Looks like Eurasian Blue Tit!"
This delightful routine continued for days as hundreds of miniature tits snacked on expensive, pre-husked sunflower seeds. They would skulk in nearby trees before flittering in to grab a single seed to enjoy safely in the canopy. The author thoroughly enjoyed watching his new house guests through crisp 4K HDR video recordings, exploring the Kiwibit app to learn about migration habits, nesting locations, and favorite foods.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The peaceful environment came to an abrupt halt with the arrival of an uninvited guest. An alert flashed: "Looks like Common Wood Pigeon!" All that was visible on the live camera feed was a battleship-gray blob blocking the lens. The winged pest was so large and imposing that it completely obscured the view, prompting the author to wish for the return of the smaller tourists.
In mild panic, the author triggered the feeder’s Nuisance Animal Alarm, a siren typically reserved for squirrels. The pigeon simply tensed, looked around, and ignored the audible siren that was surely annoying the neighbors. It went right back to gorging on haute cuisine for 15 minutes straight until the author walked outside and shooed it away.
"Ugh, no, go back to the tourists!"
Thomas Ricker
After that incident, that pigeon—or others like it—effectively moved in. They would perch for 30 minutes or more, slamming their faces into the seed pile. Soon, mice arrived below to feast on the spoils. Admitting defeat, the author dismounted the expensive bird feeder and shoved it into a closet.
Smart home and smart pet gadgets frequently encounter unexpected pest intrusion issues because AI and motion sensors detect general movement rather than distinguishing between target wildlife and local pests. This often leads to inflated feeding costs and secondary pest problems like rodents scavenging for fallen food.
The author holds no ill will toward Kiwibit, noting that the "Bird Feeder 2 Pro 4K AI Camera with Solar Panel (Lifetime AI Included)" was a joy to use until pests took over. For anyone tempted to buy a smart bird feeder, the recommendation is to start with something simple, inexpensive, and without AI on day one, as used feeders cannot be returned simply because they attract unwanted wildlife.
Source: The Verge
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