What Is the Use of a Bird Bath?

Are They Mainly Ornamental or Functional or...?

By Richard Worden

Birdbaths are a common addition to backyards everywhere, and for a good reason. With designs from elegant and elaborate to simple and homemade, there’s an option for any type of backyard. However, you may wonder why birds come to these human-made water sources and how much of an impact the baths have. So, what is the use of a bird bath?

Birds use birdbaths for hydration and cleaning. Not only can birdbaths provide a regular spot for these animals to drink from, but they use the water to clean their feathers - a critical activity for maintaining their wings. Humans love them for decoration as well as a great way to attract birds to their yards.

Adding a birdbath to your yard can bring flocks of incredible, modern-day dinosaurs for you to enjoy. However, just setting up a bowl of water outside probably won’t be enough. There are multiple factors that you need to consider to make your backyard a regular bird pit stop.

Bird Baths Are an Alternative to Birds’ Natural Water Sources

Birdbaths mimic birds’ natural water sources, such as puddles and shallow streams. While birds won’t forsake natural water in favor of bird baths, having a steady source of water they can count on (as opposed to puddles, which dry up) is a big deal. 

However, because birds are used to streams and puddles, many species prefer having a ground-level bath instead of a higher style. 

Water for drinking is an obvious use, but avians also use water to help preen their plumage. The dampness can make it easier for them to remove debris like dirt from the feathers. And healthy, clean feathers are vital for the animals to be able to fly.

Benefits of Using Bird Baths to Attract Birds to Your Yard

The main reason people set out birdbaths is that they simply want to watch birds from their house. Birdwatching can be relaxing and educational, but a bird bath provides additional benefits to humans and the birds who use them. 

There are multiple reasons to entice wild birds into your backyard. A major one is that, as many birds eat insects, they can act as a natural source of pest control. Other species, like finches, eat seeds, including those of weeds that you may not want in your yard. what is the use of a birdbath

The birdbaths can also help the environment by providing resources to native bird species. This article on The Spruce covers more reasons why people should support wild birds in the neighborhood. 

What Birds Want From a Bird Bath

Now, in order to reap the benefits of native birds, there are key factors that need to be addressed to attract birds to the bath. Like any type of garden decor, all the various styles and materials of birdbaths can be overwhelming. However, some requirements can’t be missed and should be the primary consideration when deciding what type of birdbath to get.

• The water can’t be too high or deep. Many of the birds you’re trying to attract are fairly small and don’t want to risk falling into the water. At its deepest, birdbaths should be no more than 2 inches (5.08 cm) deep, with shallower levels around the edges.
   
• Moving water is better than still. Birds will find the bath easier if they can hear it. However, you’ll want to keep the overall movement slow and calm; no rushing waterfalls. Options include add-on items such as this solar-powered Mademax Solar Bird Bath (available on Amazon.com). It’s submersible and solar-powered, which makes it extremely easy to use. It’s also relatively inexpensive.
   
• Make sure the birdbath itself isn’t slippery. For this reason alone, glass is not a highly ranked material option. You also want to ensure the bath is secure and won’t fall over easily. 
  
  
• Add stones or gravel towards the center of the bath for birds to stand on while drinking. You don’t need to fill the center with rocks, but give the birds a few options. You can also place branches near the bath for the animals to preen themselves after splashing around.
  
  
• Place in a shady spot, so the bath doesn’t get too warm. However, you want to make sure the avians can see the water source from the sky. The area the bath is in also needs to be open enough for the birds to see any approaching dangers, like cats.
   
• Make sure the birdbath is one that you can keep clean. Birds will leave a mess behind in droppings, feathers, and other debris, so you’ll need to regularly clean the bath and replace the water. This also helps prevent illnesses from spreading among the birds who visit.
  
  

You also want to have an idea of what birds are in your area. If you have mainly small or ground-welling species - quails, for example - then a pedestal design bath may not be very tempting. If you have larger species, like bluebirds, they may prefer something off the ground. 

Something else to note is that the larger the bath, the more birds can use it at one time. In addition, you may want to set out multiple options to avoid one larger bird taking up all the space. Considering that other animals, from squirrels to deer, might decide to take a sip from the bath as well is another reason you might want to set out more than one bath.

Reasons Birds May Not Be Visiting Your Bird Bath

It may take a few weeks for birds in your area to become comfortable visiting your yard, but if no avians are hanging around after a month or so, then something in your bath may need adjusting. what is the use of a bird bath

If you’ve checked off everything on the list above, then move on to considering the surrounding environment. Do your neighbors also have a bird bath? Are there native plants that can provide food for the birds? 

And, what may seem like an odd restriction, what color is your bath? Brightly colored bowls will be appealing to more bold species, but more shy birds will feel more comfortable with browns and greens. However, a white birdbath is never a good idea. To many birds, the color white is associated with danger and aggression, not a nice place to relax. 

For a more in-depth look at everything birdbaths, including how to set them up and clean them, check out this video on YouTube:

What Is The Use Of A Bird Bath...Conclusion

Birdbaths can be a fantastic addition to your backyard for both people and birds, as long as you have a suitable place to put one that fits the local bird’s needs. 

Birds are one of the most successful groups of animals on Earth. Providing a reliable water source, especially in the summer and winter, will help these present-day dinosaurs stay hydrated, clean, and happy.

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Hi! I'm Richard Worden, the author and founder of We Know Birds.

Over 20 years ago I developed a keen interest in birds and birdwatching, and it has been my passion ever since. I am committed to spreading useful knowledge about birds to others so we might all enjoy them to the fullest.

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