Birdbuddy unveils its most affordable ‘mini’ bird feeder camera — and it can identify birds by their song

  • Birdbuddy debuts the Birdbuddy 2 Mini bird feeder camera at CES
  • The 2 Mini is Birdbuddy’s smallest and most affordable bird feeder camera to date
  • It has the same core features as the pricier Birdbuddy 2

Birdbuddy is a leading name in bird feeder cameras, and it has just unveiled its latest model at CES 2026 – the Birdbuddy 2 Mini.

The 2 Mini has the same core specs as the Birdbuddy 2, which was announced last year (and which we are currently testing), including an upgraded camera with 2K video in horizontal or vertical format, slow motion recording, plus smart AI bird detection that’s now based on visual and audio cues. That’s right, Birdbuddy can identify birdsong.

Where the two latest generation of smart bird feeder cameras differ is in design. As its name suggests, the new 2 Mini has a smaller form factor and seed capacity, while it’s powered by a (rechargeable) internal battery only – the Birdbuddy 2 has built-in solar panels for continuous power. There is an optional solar panel for the 2 Mini, but that does add to the cost.

Even with its simpler design, the 2 Mini could even be a better option than the flagship model thanks to its smaller housing – I’m thinking for tight spaces, apartments and balconies.

It’s also Birdbuddy’s most affordable bird feeder camera to date, being around 35% cheaper than the Birdbuddy 2.

The Birdbuddy 2 Mini costs $129 (compared to $199 for the Birdbuddy 2), and pre-orders are expected to open mid-2026 and shipped later on this year (UK and Australia pricing TBC). The sold-out pre-orders for the Birdbuddy 2 from last year are set to be shipped next month.

Birdbuddy 2 Mini bird feeder camera on a white background

The Birdbuddy 2 Mini. Note it doesn’t have solar panels or an extended perch – those are both optional extras. (Image credit: Birdbuddy)

Getting you closer to your backyard wildlife

I’ve tested some of the best bird feeder cameras, and can testify just how enjoyable these gadgets are.

Like most bird feeder cameras, Birdbuddy’s latest models activate when birds are detected by motion sensing, but they up the game by adding audio cues to give you a remote live feed of the birdlife visiting the feeder.

Whether you’re miles away or in your front room, seeing the visiting birds in your backyard in real time, with the option to record 2K video is a novelty that doesn’t wear off – especially with smart bird detection skills helping you identify any species you’re unfamiliar with.

And I love the idea of the Birdbuddy 2 Mini – being a smaller and affordable package that brings this delightful experience to more people.

Birdbuddy certainly ranks among the best in this space, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far it has been able to improve the experience with its second generation of bird feeder cameras. It says the new cameras wake up faster than the first generation models, and feature Gorilla Glass-protected lenses and upgraded built-in mics.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year’s CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

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