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The Best Bird Baths

Last updated on May 17, 2022

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If you want to add appeal to your backyard or patio, there are few better ways to do it than with a nice bird bath. These ornamental basins add a touch of zen to any outdoor area, and that’s multiplied when birds start showing up to actually use them. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and seeing birds a few yards away enjoying their own drink. Bird baths are one of the few bits of decor that the local fauna will love as much as you do.

A bird bath can really be any basin that you fill with water and keep outside. As such, there are a lot of different configurations, and you’ll have to choose the one that best matches its surroundings.

The most popular type of bird bath is a pedestal style where the basin sits on top of a column. This one can go almost anywhere, but it tends to suit medium to large-size yards the best. These baths can vary widely in looks from ornate stone sculptures to sleek and utilitarian, so it’s easy to find something that suits your decor.

If you’ve got a covered patio, you might consider a hanging bird bath that suspends from a chain or rope. There are even bird baths that sit directly on the ground, and this type can actually attract more birds since they’re used to getting their water from puddles and other earth-bound sources. (Keep in mind that you might attract other kinds of animals with this type of bath, though.)

There are an even wider range of materials that bird baths can be made out of. While they will certainly play a role in how they look, those materials can also affect how they appeal to birds. Bird baths made out of concrete or other masonry might be more expensive and harder to transport or clean, but there will be obvious benefits in terms of durability. Concrete will be able to withstand high winds, and birds will usually be able to grip the surface better. Resin or plastic are more affordable options, and ones that should do just fine in most climates. You’ll want the surface to have a little texture and make sure that it’s a kind of material that won’t expand and crack if you experience very cold winters.

The shape of the basin matters too, and it might be the most important thing as far as the birds are concerned. Most birds will actually take a bath in the bowl and be just fine doing so, but smaller birds can drown if they get caught in the deepest part. To mitigate this, you can place some rocks or other terrain in the middle.

If you have a little extra to spend, a fountain can be a nice touch. A bit of movement in the water will attract more birds and help keep the water from freezing. If your winters are too cold for that to work, there are bird baths with a heating element that can be a lifesaver for thirsty birds. Just consider the power source: Cords can ruin the natural feel of your landscape, and solar-powered fountains and heaters might not get enough sun in the winter months.

Our Picks For The Top Bird Baths

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

VIVOHOME Lightweight Hollow Base Polyresin Bird Bath

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VIVOHOME

Lightweight Hollow Base Polyresin Bird Bath

Both birds and homeowners will be attracted to this piece of garden decor. The PP material is coated with a resin that won't rust or harm wildlife. Cleaning it is easy thanks to parts that remove with a simple unscrewing.

Overall Take

Disassembles For CleaningThis bath is easy on birds and easy to care for.

 Runner Up

GrayBunny Faux Stone Neo-Classical Design Bird Bath

GrayBunny

Faux Stone Neo-Classical Design Bird Bath

The look of this item is weathered stone, but it's actually made of light and non-toxic plastic. Despite the weight, the wide base makes it very stable and there are stakes that can be driven for additional support. It's easy to assemble and inviting to birds of many species.

Overall Take

Lightweight But StableThe look is classic but the material is non-toxic plastic.

 We Also Like

Garbuildman Detachable Plastic Basin Bird Bath

Garbuildman

Detachable Plastic Basin Bird Bath

Stake this bird bath into the garden and you can expect it to stay up for many seasons. While it is made of plastic with a minimalist look, the construction is sound. Grooves in the sides of the bowl give birds a stable place to perch.

Overall Take

Resilient and SturdyDesign is everything with this minimalist bit of decor.

 Strong Contender

MUMTOP Glass Flower Shaped Bird Bath

MUMTOP

Glass Flower Shaped Bird Bath

Give your birds a magical place to grab a drink with this artistic bath. The flowery bowl is made of glass but is durable and easy to clean. Stakes keep the whole operation secure and assembly is relatively simple.

Overall Take

Enchanting, Flowery LookThis bath turns any yard into a fairy garden.

What to Look For

Once you get your bird bath, all you’ll want to do is sit back and watch the wildlife come calling — and you’ll be able to do just that for awhile. Soon enough though, you’ll need to clean it.

There’s no getting around this with tech or design tricks, unfortunately. It should come as no surprise that birds will actually take a bath in your bird bath, and they’ll relieve themselves there too. Build up enough waste in that basin, and you’ll be doing your birds more harm than good. It’s best to change the water daily (unless you have a fountain that recycles it) and spray the basin clean a couple of times a week. Once a month or when you see buildup start to occur, give it a good wipe with a vinegar and water solution.

More to Explore

You might notice that birds don’t just take water from your bird bath. All too often, they leave (ahem) a little something behind. Poop in your bird bath isn’t a spiteful act, mind you. Birds do actually like to clean themselves off, but the water can weigh their feathers down. When that happens, they instinctively get the urge to shed a little extra weight — and that’s why you can expect to add bird bath cleaning to your weekly chore list.

More to explore