Birds, like all animals, need water to survive. But where do our feathered friends get their water from? As it turns out, birds have many options when it comes to finding water to drink.
Natural Water Sources
One of the most common places birds get water from is natural sources like lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and puddles. Birds that live near water often drink directly from these sources. Ducks, geese, swans, herons, and other waterfowl are most likely to utilize natural bodies of water for drinking and bathing. Shorebirds also drink from ocean water or salty estuaries. Even birds that don’t live right next to water will fly there to drink and bathe when needed.
In fact, having a source of open water nearby is critical for attracting most species of birds to an area. Running a birdbath, installing a small backyard pond, or having a marshy area on your property are great ways to provide essential water access for birds.
Birdbaths
For birds that live in drier areas or more urban environments, man-made water sources like birdbaths may be critical for their survival. Birdbaths provide an important water source for birds who might not otherwise have access to lakes, streams, or ponds. Species like songbirds, jays, doves, and sparrows will readily visit yard birdbaths for a drink or bath.
Birdbaths should be shallow (1-3 inches deep) and have rough edges or rocks for perching. Place them in open, elevated areas 10-15 feet from trees or feeders. Empty and clean birdbaths regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and disease transmission. Refilling them daily or even twice a day during hot, dry periods is also advisable.
Bird Feeders
Believe it or not, bird feeders are another place many species get some of their water. Nectar feeders for hummingbirds and orioles provide a high moisture nectar mixture. Fruit feeders with watermelon, oranges, grapes, and other juicy fruits also supply a lot of moisture. Ground feeders can double as bird watering stations simply by adding water to tray feeders or platform feeders.
Some birds like doves will intentionally eat wet birdseed from damp ground feeders to increase their water intake. It’s a good idea to sprinkle water over any feeder to help provide birds with extra hydration along with their food. Be sure to clean damp feeders daily to prevent mold.
Rain & Dew
After rain showers or in mornings with heavy dew, birds will drink accumulated raindrops and dewdrops from leaves, branches, gutters, and other surfaces. Some birds even do a “rain dance” fluttering back and forth through wet vegetation to get soaked and collect drops on their wings and feathers. Then they drink the water accumulating on their own bodies!
Many birds are able to detect tiny amounts of water we can’t even see. A light fog or mist provides drinking opportunities for birds that are adept at extracting minute water droplets out of the air with their highly specialized tongues.
Where Specific Birds Get Water
Now that we’ve covered the major water sources birds use, let’s look at some specific examples of where different species get water:
Hummingbirds
– Nectar feeders
– Raindrops accumulated on leaves and branches
– Dew drops
– Birdbaths
-Leaks or drips from irrigation systems
Finches
– Birdbaths
– Dampened seed feeders
– Fruit slices at feeders
– Raindrops and dew on vegetation
Robins
– Worms and insects (provide a lot of moisture)
– Birdbaths
– Puddles
– Damp grass
– Wet feeders
Woodpeckers
– Suet feeders (suet contains moisture)
– Birdbaths
– Rain and dew collected from tree bark
– Damp ground
Bluebirds
– Birdbaths
– Wet grass
– Raindrops on branches
– Fruit slices at feeders
– Mealworm feeders
Warblers
– Dew drops on leaves and branches
– Birdbaths
– Damp ground
– Rain accumulated in tree cavities and crevices
Sparrows
– Small puddles
– Birdbaths
– Wet seed feeders
– Dewdrops on vegetation
Wrens
– Birdbaths
– Wet or dewy leaves
– Raindrops collected in nests and cavities
– Ground puddles
Owls
– Prey contains moisture (mice, voles, insects, etc)
– Rarely visit birdbaths
– Dewdrops
– Puddles
Vultures
– Cactus pulp
– Carcass fluids
– Rainwater accumulated in tree holes or on branches
– Rarely visit birdbaths
Chickadees
– Birdbaths
– Wet feeders
– Dew on leaves, branches, and brush
– Bark crevices where rain collects
Crows
– Rain puddles
– Birdbaths
– Drips from building awnings and gutters
– Wet trash or compost
– Water bowls left for pets
Migrating and Wintering Birds
Access to water is especially critical for migrating and wintering birds. Species undertaking long migrations need ample water to fuel up. And birds that overwinter in cold climates expend more energy keeping warm and can become dangerously dehydrated.
Heated birdbaths that don’t freeze in winter provide an invaluable water source when natural water is frozen over. Water features that recirculate or have moving water are less likely to ice up. Offering multiple fresh water sources is key to meeting increased demand when birds concentrate in one area during migration or on wintering grounds.
Conservation Importance
Supplying water for birds is an important way we can help bird populations thrive. Loss or pollution of natural wetlands diminishes available water sources for many species. Drought especially impacts bird numbers and diversity in arid regions. Providing clean accessible drinking and bathing water helps counteract these threats. Something as simple as a well-maintained birdbath can make a real difference for backyard birds.
Understanding bird water needs throughout the seasons allows us to better provide for them. Observe when and which birds visit your water sources to get an idea of how vital your backyard oasis is. With a basic knowledge of where birds get their water in the wild, you’ll be able to assess how your landscape is meeting their hydration needs.
Conclusion
Birds have adapted to obtain water from a variety of sources. Natural bodies of water, man-made birdbaths and feeders, and rain and dew collected from vegetation and other surfaces provide drinking opportunities for our feathered friends. Different species have preferences when it comes to where they get their water based on their habitat, diet, and behavior. By providing clean fresh water, those with an interest in birding and conservation can help supplement natural water sources and aid birds in staying hydrated and thriving.