Bird baths are an excellent way to provide birds with the water they need for drinking and bathing. With so many different types of bird baths available, it can be tricky to know which style birds prefer. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different bird bath options to help you choose the best bath for attracting backyard birds.
Ground-Level Bird Baths
Ground-level bird baths sit directly on the ground rather than being elevated on a pedestal. These simple baths are inexpensive and easy to install. They come in a variety of materials:
- Plastic – Durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Plastic bird baths come in many shapes and sizes.
- Concrete – Heavy and durable though prone to cracking over time. Concrete bird baths can be painted or textured.
- Metal – Often made of rust-resistant materials like copper or cast iron. Metal bird baths heat up quickly but tend to be pricey.
- Ceramic – Attractive glazed finish but somewhat fragile. Ceramic bird baths should be brought indoors in winter.
The open design allows easy access for birds. Positioning at ground level accommodates skittish ground feeders like sparrows and juncos. A downside is that ground bird baths are easily soiled by mud and grass clippings. They also require more frequent refilling than elevated baths which lose less water to splashing.
Pedestal Bird Baths
Pedestal bird baths feature a basin or bowl set atop a tall column, pedestal, or legs. They come in three main pedestal types:
- Single pedestal – Features asingle centered column to elevate the bowl.
- Triple pedestal – Has three legs supporting the bowl.
- Hanging pedestal – Suspends the bowl from an overarching pedestal attached to a hanging hook.
An elevated bath mimics natural bird watering spots like tree branches overhanging water. The height allows for a larger water capacity while preventing muddy splashes. Pedestal baths in lightweight materials can be moved to convenient locations. Drawbacks include a smaller landing space and difficulty accessing water by small birds.
Deck-Mounted Bird Baths
Deck-mounted bird baths attach directly to a wooden deck or platform. Most feature a basin that mounts to the surface with a hook, clamp, or bracket. They come in two main styles:
- Mounted basin – A regular bird bath basin mounted to the deck surface.
- Custom-cut bath – A section cut right out of the deck to create the basin shape.
Deck mounting provides a seamless look as if the bath was built right into the deck. Since it sits up off the ground, a deck-mounted bath stays cleaner than ground models. But deck-mounted baths can leak over time causing wood rot if not properly sealed. The limited landing space may make them tricky for larger birds to use.
Heated Bird Baths
Heated bird baths have an electric heating element to keep the water from freezing in winter. They typically have an integrated thermostat and cords for plugging into an outdoor outlet. Heated baths allow year-round access to open water for drinking and bathing. There are a few ways they can be heated:
- Basin heater – Screws onto the bottom of a removable bird bath basin.
- Built-in heater – Integrated into a pedestal birdbath basin or reservoir.
- Heated basin insert – Sits inside a larger basin to heat the water.
- Heating cable – Adheres around a basin or bowl to warm it from below.
The main drawbacks are the energy costs and the need to stay plugged in year-round. Also, heated baths usually can’t provide open water in extremely cold temperatures below -20°F (-28°C).
Popular Bird Bath Styles
Now that we’ve compared the major types of bird baths, let’s look at some of the most popular styles that backyard birders tend to prefer. Here are five of the bestselling and well-rated bird baths on the market today:
Bird Bath | Description | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Garden Stone Pedestal Birdbath | Decorative cast stone single pedestal bath with naturalistic leaf and vine details circling the bowl. | – Artistic style – Stone construction won’t tip – Textured base provides grip |
Modern Mosaic Birdbath Bowl | Shallow glass mosaic bowl with bright colors and intricate tile patterns in a metal frame. Hangs from hook. | – Visually unique – Durable materials – Good for small birds |
Tiered Rock Water Fountain | Tiered rock fountain with cascading water between layers and basin at bottom for bathing. | – Provides moving water – Can customize flow – Attractive feature |
Copper Bowl Triple Pedestal Bath | Rustic style copper bowl on decorative scrolled pedestal with three feet shaped like bear claws. | – Naturally antibacterial – Stylish design – Stands out in winter |
Plastic Saucer Bird Bath | Low round plastic saucer-style bath in bright colors that sits directly on the ground. | – Inexpensive – Easy to move around – Accessible height |
Important Bird Bath Features
When choosing a new bird bath, keep in mind these key criteria that impact how attractive and functional a bath is for backyard birds:
- Water capacity – The amount of water a bath holds affects maintenance needs and how many birds can use it.
- Depth – Shallow water is safest, but needs more frequent refilling. Deeper baths appeal to more species.
- Diameter – Larger baths allow more birds to drink and bathe together.
- Access – Gentle slopes, rocks, and rough textures make it easier for birds to get in and out.
- Friction – Textured basins provide needed traction for bathing birds.
- Location – Pick a sheltered spot away from predators but with good visibility.
Also consider placement, materials, and special features like heaters or aerators to get the right birdbath for your backyard.
Picking the Best Bird Bath Materials
Choosing bird bath materials boils down to an aesthetic versus functional tradeoff. Natural-looking materials like stone fit well aesthetically but can be heavy. Synthetic materials like plastic are lightweight but look less attractive. Here are some pros and cons of common bird bath material options:
Material | Benefits | Drawbacks |
---|---|---|
Plastic | – Inexpensive – Durable – Lightweight – Range of colors |
– Less natural look – Can fade over time – Often small capacity |
Concrete | – Can customize shape – Paintable – Mimics stone look |
– Very heavy – Prone to cracking – Need sealant |
Stone | – Natural appearance – Withstands elements – Decorative – Stays cool in summer |
– Extremely heavy – Pricey – Hard water stains |
Metal | – Very durable – Conducts heat – Modern styles |
– Can be slippery – Needs rust protection – Hot in summer |
Glass/Mosaic | – Visually unique – Durable and light – Range of colors |
– Not natural look – Need frost protection – Limited styles |
Ceramic | – Attractive styles – Glazed is easy to clean |
– Prone to chipping – Unheated can crack – Heavy for size |
Popular Backyard Birds that Use Birdbaths
Certain bird species are more likely visitors to backyard birdbaths than others. Here are some of the birds you’re most likely to see stopping by for a drink or splash:
- Song Sparrow
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Northern Cardinal
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Mourning Dove
- American Robin
- House Finch
- Goldfinch
- Eastern Bluebird
- Downy Woodpecker
Bigger birds like crows, jays, grackles, and starlings also visit platform baths. Hummingbirds love shallow basins with sloping sides they can perch on. Ground baths attract doves, quail, towhees, and sparrows. Offering both ground-level and elevated baths covers more species.
Do Birds Really Use Bird Baths for Bathing?
While drinking is their primary purpose, birdbaths provide birds with a welcome spot for bathing to keep their feathers in peak condition. Regular bathing helps birds:
- Remove excess oils and flakes that accumulate on feathers
- Dislodge dirt, pollution, parasites, and skin irritants
- Resist cold and stay insulated in winter
- Regulate body temperature in summer
- Preserve waterproofing provided by their preen oil
A good bath rinses away feather debris and lets the preen gland redistribute protective oils across the plumage. Different species have specific bathing habits and preferences for depth.
What Makes a Good Bird Bath?
To attract the widest variety of wild birds, choose a bath that:
- Offers a textured non-slip basin for secure footing
- Has a large surface area and shallow 2″ depth for safe bathing
- Can hold at least 2-3 gallons when full
- Has gently sloping sides for easy access
- Is elevated at least 15″-30″ off the ground
- Has year-round clean open water via heating or winter kit
Placement near trees, shrubs, and feeders encourages visiting birds to explore the new bathing opportunity.
Birdbath Maintenance Tips
With proper care, a quality birdbath can provide years of service. Follow these tips to keep your bird bathing station clean, safe, and appealing:
- Empty and scrub weekly to control algae and bacteria.
- Use natural cleaners only like vinegar or lemon juice to avoid harming birds.
- Refill with clean water when level drops by 25%-30% full.
- Adjust water depth seasonally from 1″-2″ in summer to 3″-4″ in winter.
- Prevent freezing in winter with a heater, pump, or plastic bird bath insert.
- Check that water is trickling if using a dripper or fountain attachment.
- Monitor weekly and scrub mineral deposits and hard water stains.
- Rinse and replace old water to discourage mosquitoes and diseases.
Ask an expert for advice choosing bird-safe cleaners to keep your birdbath hygienic without toxins.
DIY Ideas for Unique Birdbaths
Don’t limit yourself to store-bought birdbaths. With a little creativity, you can create fun DIY versions from common household items:
- Hanging flower pot tray – Drill drainage holes in a decorative tray then hang with chains.
- Tiered dog or cat bowls – Stack staggered bowls down a post or small tree.
- Old salsa bowl or ash tray – Affix a decorative dish to a patio post or rail.
- Upcycled cake stand – Invert a decorative pedestal cake plate over a larger tray.
- Repurposed salad bowl – Use plates, bowls, or platters in fun vintage styles.
- Concrete stepping stone – Impress shapes like leaves or footprints before drying.
Sand painted saucers smooth before applying mosaic shards, marbles, or pebbles with sealant. Add a mister made from a spray bottle to create a DIY bird bath fountain.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bird bath involves balancing factors like style, size, materials, and functionality. While ground and pedestal baths are tried-and-true options, also consider heated baths for winter and deck-mounted styles. Though plastic and concrete are common, natural materials like stone offer a more decorative look. Whatever design you select, proper placement near cover plus regular cleaning and refilling are key to creating a safe, welcoming place for neighborhood birds to drink and bathe the day away.