Bird Buddy is a hardware startup that has captured the hearts of many with its innovative product – a connected camera mounted on a bird feeder. This simple yet unique idea has garnered a strong customer base and even inspired a wave of imitations. Our very own Sarah Perez is a big fan of this gadget.
Recently, the Michigan-based company unveiled a new AI-powered feature called Name That Bird, allowing users to give names to individual birds and track them. While the effectiveness of this feature is yet to be determined, it is clear why it was a highly requested addition – it adds an emotional connection to the intriguing backyard guests captured on camera.
Name That Bird uses AI to identify distinguishing characteristics of individual birds that are often not noticeable to the human eye.
CEO Franci Zidar explains, “The high-resolution sensor and close-up format of the Bird Buddy camera help capture the unique features of visiting birds, making it possible to identify and name them. This feature opens up a world of possibilities for bird enthusiasts and I am thrilled about its potential.”
Name That Bird is part of Bird Buddy’s Natural Intelligence feature set, which also includes the ability to detect injured or sick birds – crucial information for bird lovers looking to prevent disease spread. Additionally, the AI can identify other non-bird animals like bees, butterflies, lizards, raccoons, and cats.
These advanced features come at a cost, as Bird Buddy has introduced a subscription model. The Natural Intelligence feature set is accessible through the Bird Buddy Pro subscription, priced at $6 per month.
