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The 10 Best Bird Baths of 2024

Keep feathered visitors happy and healthy with their own bath

Kenroy Home Vogel Fountain

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Watching wild birds splash in a bird bath in your backyard, garden, or even on your patio can be a source of great enjoyment for birders of any age. By creating a welcoming environment, including food sources for visiting birds and shrubs or trees they can use for shelter, you can entice many feathered visitors to come close enough for a good look.

Adding a bird bath can greatly increase the number of birds that visit your yard, says Marc Parnell, ornithologist and author of The Birding Pro's Field Guides, says, "In fact, some home bird baths attract over 50 species each year! Birds bathe themselves regularly as a means of maintaining the health of their feathers, and introducing a bird bath to any garden is a wonderful way to invite birds into your outdoor space."

When shopping for a bird bath for your outdoor space, consider the size that's best for you. Pedestal bird baths, the most common type, are usually between 1-2 feet in diameter and 2-3 feet tall. To save space, opt for a deck-mounted option or one that hangs from a tree or a hook attached to your home.

The material is another big consideration. Ceramic is a common choice that's easy to clean and stands up to harsh weather (except for freezing temperatures), but it can be slippery, which can deter birds. Plastic is a great affordable choice, but isn't the most long-lasting. We love glass for aesthetic purposes, but it can shatter easily.

Similarly, cast stone looks beautiful, but is expensive and not the most weather-resistant. Cooper looks equally enticing but can become too hot in the summer for birds, so is best in indirect sunlight. Consider the climate where you live, the price you're willing to pay, and the look you want to achieve to find the best material for you.

We researched the best bird baths available online, considering a variety of different types, sizes, and styles. We then narrowed down our picks to those we felt were winners based on their design, durability, size, appeal to the widest variety of birds, and overall value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath

Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Classic design looks good in most gardens

  • Sturdy

  • Large enough for several birds to use together

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Sides are a bit steep for very small birds

  • May crack in freezing temperatures

This ceramic bird bath from Alpine Corporation is sure to add charm to your garden. We love its slightly distressed finish, classic pedestal shape, and the two ceramic birds "perched" on the lip of the bowl, as well as embossed on its pedestal. But beauty isn't all this ceramic stunner has to offer. The basin can be lifted off the pedestal, which makes it easy to dump out the old water and scrub the bowl before refilling it with fresh water, and the smooth ceramic finish is easy to wipe free of algae and other grunge.

At 19.5 pounds, the bird bath is heavy enough to stay upright even in windy conditions, but if you live in an area with exceptionally high winds or you have wild critters that jump up to the basin for a drink, then you can fill the pedestal with sand to add further weight and stability.

At 24 inches tall, 16 inches in diameter, and just under 3 inches in depth, it's a good size for several smaller birds to bathe together or for one or two larger birds to enjoy a drink or a bath. The basin is deep enough to add a small solar bubbler if desired. Because the sides are somewhat steep for small birds like finches or sparrows, which can sometimes discourage these tiny birds from using a bird bath, you might want to add a few stones to the center of the bath to create "islands" for perching while they drink or flutter in the water. The basin holds a maximum of 3 liters of water.

Like all ceramic bird baths, there's a danger of cracking or splitting in temperatures below freezing, so if you live in a cold area, it's best to store the bird bath until warmer weather returns. But in mild-winter areas, you can enjoy this bird bath—and its feathered visitors—year round. The bird bath is available in several colors: warm red, creamy white with distressed brownish spots, and turquoise.

Overall Height: 24 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 16 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2.85 inches | Material: Ceramic Type: Pedestal

Best Budget

Mumtop Hanging Bird Bath

Mumtop Hanging Bird Bath

Amazon

What We Like
  • Colorful designs

  • Sturdy glass

  • Easy to wipe clean

What We Don't Like
  • Some complaints of uneven hanging chains

  • A bit small, so will need frequent refilling

You don't have to spend a lot to provide backyard birds with a bath and a drink. This beautiful glass-hanging bird bath from Mumtop is very reasonably priced, and there are two designs available: a yellow sunflower or a blue "peacock" pattern. Both are brightly colored, making it easy for birds to spot the bath while flying overhead.

The bowl is glass, so it will shatter if dropped or exposed for too long to freezing temperatures, but it is sturdy enough for regular use. The designs are painted on and hold up well to sun and rain.

The bowl measures 11 inches in diameter, which is a bit on the small side. Three 18-inch steel chains connect to the top hanging hook. The basin is 2 inches at the deepest point, a good level for smaller birds to drink or bathe. Because this isn't a huge bird bath, you'll need to refill it frequently as water evaporates or spills in high winds, but it's easy to add water and wipe the basin clean.

Overall Height: 20 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 11 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2 inches | Material: Glass | Type: Hanging

Best Fountain

Kenroy Home Vogel Fountain

Kenroy Home Vogel Fountain

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Thermal-sensitive pump

  • Beautiful design

  • Glazed finish

What We Don't Like
  • Must be on level surface for best performance

  • Needs to be within 8 feet of an electrical outlet

  • A little tricky to clean

While you'll enjoy the peaceful and meditative sound of moving water in this beautiful ceramic bird bath, you'll also appreciate that the built-in fountain attracts more birds to bathe and drink. The included sturdy pump automatically shuts itself off if the water level drops too low. You'll need to occasionally wipe the pump free of algae and grunge to prevent blockages.

The fountain holds a little more than half a gallon of water, which the pump continually circulates, but you'll need to top the water off regularly. The water bubbles out of the top bird figure into the top 11-inch tier and then drips into the lower 16.25-inch basin. An 8-foot electrical cord is attached.

For best performance, use distilled water to fill this fountain, and be sure it's assembled on level ground; if the ground is uneven, the pump won't work effectively. It will withstand weather conditions down to 33 degrees but should be emptied and covered or brought into a protected space if freezing temperatures are forecast. It's not as easy to clean this bird bath as some others on our list, but you can wipe the surfaces with a clean cloth to remove algae growth.

Overall Height: 27.25 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 16.25 inches | Depth of Bowl: Not stated | Material: Ceramic | Type: Pedestal with fountain

Best for Hummingbirds

VIVOHOME Bird Bath with Fountain Pump

VIVOHOME Outdoor Garden Bird Bath with Fountain Pump

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Includes solar fountain

  • Large basin

  • Four different spray patterns

What We Don't Like
  • Can blow over if not securely fastened or weighed down

  • Water can spray out of the fountain when it's windy

This sturdy but lightweight polyresin bird bath lets you enjoy the ambiance of a water feature without the bother of an electrical cord. It comes with a solar fountain that can be set to four different gentle sprays; hummingbirds especially love the mist setting or the gentlest spray, although other birds will also enjoy bathing and drinking from the fountain.

The fountain must be in full sun for it to function, but keep in mind that the water will evaporate quickly, so you'll need to top it off frequently. The fountain is 28 inches high, with a 20-inch bowl that's 2.4 inches at its deepest point. That's big enough for several birds to enjoy the water simultaneously, and smaller birds can perch right on the floating fountain for comfortable drinking without having to venture into water that's deeper than they might like.

Because the fountain is only 4.4 pounds when empty, it's a good idea to fill the hollow base with small rocks or gravel for stability. It also includes three stakes to hold it to the ground. Its lightness makes it very easy to clean, however. Like most bird baths, this one should be emptied when the temperature drops to freezing.

Overall Height: 28 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 20 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2.4 inches | Material: Polyresin | Type: Pedestal with fountain

Best for Gardens

Athena Garden Octagon Bird Bath

Athena Garden Cast Stone Large Octagon Bird Bath

Walmart

What We Like
  • Available in multiple colors

  • Classic design

  • Sturdy construction

What We Don't Like
  • May be difficult to empty for cleaning

This sturdy cast-stone bird bath has a classic shape that adds a dramatic touch to any garden, whether it's a sunny bed filled with flowers or a shaded nook of greenery. The bird bath stands 21.5 inches high and the basin is 15.5 inches across and 2.5 inches deep. That is large enough for a few smaller birds to enjoy at the same time or for one or two larger birds to drink or bathe comfortably, but not too big for a tiny patio or a small garden bed.

Because it is not made up of a bowl and pedestal, but rather is a single unit weighing 47 pounds, emptying the bird bath for cleaning can be a bit of a chore. However, a bucket can be used to help with the process. It's available in several colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your garden space. While weather resistant, it's best to empty this bird bath in freezing weather and either cover it or bring it to a protected spot to prevent cracking.

Overall Height: 21.5 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 15.5 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2.5 inches | Material: Cast stone | Type: Pedestal

Best Deck-Mounted

Hanizi Bird Bath

Hanizi Deck-Mounted Bird Bath

Amazon

What We Like
  • Mounts to deck or balcony railings up to 2 inches thick

  • Sturdy plastic basin

  • Inexpensive

What We Don't Like
  • Might be difficult to scrub clean

Don't forgo the pleasure of watching backyard birds bathe and frolic in water just because you don't have a large yard—or any yard at all—for a traditional pedestal bird bath. Instead, with a deck-mounted bird bath like this one from Hanizi, you can mount a basin onto any railing that's no more than 2 inches thick.

The metal clamp and frame hold the plastic basin very securely in place, so you don't need to worry about the wind blowing this lightweight bird bath away, although you will need to top it off frequently due to evaporation.

The basin is 12 inches in diameter and has a bi-level depth that ranges from around 1 inch at the top to 3 inches at the center. That's comfortable for most common backyard birds to use for drinking or bathing. While the sturdy plastic basin holds up well even to freezing temperatures, it can take some elbow grease to scrub it clean if you let algae grow or grunge accumulate too much between cleanings.

Overall Height: 6 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 12 inches | Depth of Bowl: 3 inches | Material: Plastic | Type: Deck mount

Best Hanging

Monarch Abode Copper Hanging Bird Bath

Monarch Abode Pure Copper Hand Hammered Hanging Bird Bath

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Hand-hammered copper

  • Elegant style

  • Easy to assemble

What We Don't Like
  • Can tarnish over time

Feathered visitors will flock to this beautiful hand-hammered copper hanging bird bath. The simple but elegant design lends a touch of style to your patio, garden, or even balcony. The basin is supported by a sturdy black powder-coated iron frame that is rust-resistant. Three strong black chains attach to a hanging hook that you can slip over a branch, nail, garden hook, or bracket.

Note that hanging bird baths can swing in the wind, leading to the water spilling out, so you might need to top this bird bath off fairly frequently. The basin measures 11 inches across, which is on the small side, although still large enough for finches and other songbirds to use and enjoy. It's 2.5 inches deep.

When hanging, the full length of the chains and basin is 17 inches. It's easy to clean, although a few buyers complained that their bird bath tarnished faster than they expected.

Overall Height: 17 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 11 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2.5 inches | Material: Copper | Type: Hanging

Best Heated

Allied Precision Heated Bird Bath With Mounting Bracket

Allied Precision Heated Bird Bath With Mounting Bracket

Allied Precision

What We Like
  • Effective heater switches on when water temperature nears freezing

  • Basin is easy to clean

  • Includes a clamp-on mounting bracket

What We Don't Like
  • Clamps might not hold well on railings with curved edges

  • Extension cord required for the heater

Finding a source of fresh water can be tough for wild birds in the winter. Keep your feathered visitors healthy and happy with a heated bird bath, which allows them to drink and bathe even when conditions are icy. We especially like this deck-mounted option from API, which has a 120-volt heating element hidden beneath the bowl that switches on when the water temperature nears freezing to prevent ice from forming.

The bird bath can be safely outdoors in temperatures down to 20 below zero, but you'll need to check it daily to be sure there is enough water in the basin to prevent damage to the heater. Note that the clamp will fit on 2x4 or 2x6 railings, but not affix as securely to rounded railings.

The basin is 18.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep. It's made from heavy-duty plastic, which provides enough grip to keep birds feeling secure and is fairly easy to scrub clean. The bracket tilts so you can easily dump out old water without having to lift the entire basin.

You will need to run an extension cord that's rated for outdoor use from an electrical outlet to the very short cord on the bird bath. During the summer, you can disconnect the extension cord and store the short, attached cord underneath the basin to keep it out of view while the heater isn't needed.

Overall Height: 4 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 18.5 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2 inches | Material: Plastic | Type: Deck mount

Best Ceramic

Sunnydaze Duo-Tone Glazed Ceramic Bird Bath

Sunnydaze Duo-Tone Glazed Ceramic Bird Bath

Sunnydaze

What We Like
  • Steady in the wind

  • UV- and frost-resistant

  • Available in several colors

What We Don't Like
  • Pedestal and basin are separate pieces

This eye-catching ceramic bird bath is a bit pricey, but the swirling, two-tone, hand-painted color on the traditional shape adds a blast of vibrancy to your garden. The baked-in glaze is UV- and frost-resistant, but it's still a good idea to empty and store the bird bath in freezing weather. It's available in several colors, including blue, yellow, and orange. The basin and pedestal are separate pieces but are very easy to attach, and you can remove the basin for cleaning without a struggle.

The total height of this bird bath is 21 inches and the basin is 18 inches in diameter. The basin depth slopes from 1.5 inches to 3.75 inches, so even small birds can comfortably drink or bathe. You could also float a solar fountain in the basin to provide water movement and soothing sound. The basin holds 1 gallon of water, but you'll need to top it off regularly. At 38 pounds empty, the bird bath is heavy enough to stand steady even when it's windy.

Overall Height: 21 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 18 inches | Depth of Bowl: 3.75 inches | Material: Ceramic | Type: Pedestal

Best Ground

Topadorn Ceramic Bird Bath Bowl

Topadorn Ceramic Bird Bath Bowl

Topadorn

What We Like
  • Attracts birds that won't use a pedestal bird bath

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Can gather yard debris

A ground bird bath is a basin that sits right on the ground, thus mimicking the shallow ponds or puddles that many wild birds prefer for drinking and bathing. Many shy birds that wouldn't ordinarily use a pedestal bird bath will enjoy taking a dip in a ground bird bath, as long as it's located in a spot that provides quick refuge should a cat or other predator approach. We especially like this ceramic ground bird bath from Topadorn, which is available in blue with a red flower or blue with a yellow flower.

The bowl is 12.25 inches in diameter with a depth of 2 inches. The small flower in the center is slightly higher, giving your tiny backyard visitors a more secure spot to perch. Because this bird bath sits directly on the ground, it will tend to gather dust, fallen leaves, or other debris fairly quickly, but it only weighs 3.6 pounds, so it's easy to dump the old water out of the bowl, wipe it clean, and refill it. While it's UV and weather-resistant, you should empty it and store it somewhere that's protected when temperatures drop to freezing.

Overall Height: 2 inches | Diameter of Bowl: 12.25 inches | Depth of Bowl: 2 inches | Material: Ceramic | Type: Ground

Final Verdict

The Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath is a great choice for any yard, as it has an attractive two-piece ceramic construction that comes in several colors, and it's a perfect size for most backyard birds. If you want a hanging bird bath, the Monarch Abode Copper Hanging Bird Bath is made from hand-hammered copper that adds a hefty dose of style to your garden.

What to Look for in a Bird Bath

Type

There are five basic types of bird baths, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. There are also bird baths that incorporate heaters or fountains. You might even choose to have more than one type of bird bath in your yard.

  • Pedestal bird baths, like our best overall pick, the Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath, are the most common type, and what you probably picture when you think of a bird bath. While styles can vary from classic to contemporary, pedestal bird baths consist of a stand or pedestal topped by a basin. Many are two separate pieces—the basin and the pedestal—which makes it easier to tip out dirty water when it’s time to clean the bath. You can find a pedestal bird bath in various styles, materials, and colors. On the downside, these can be heavy, and require a flat space in your yard that’s exposed to the sky so passing birds can spot the bath.
  • Hanging bird baths are small basins with connected chains, usually linked to a hanging hook at the top. You can hang these bird baths from a sturdy tree branch, a garden hook, or a masonry bracket attached to the side of your house. Just be sure you can easily access the bath for a regular filling because hanging bird baths tend to lose water quickly through evaporation or spills due to wind. Because these are typically fairly small, like our best hanging option, the Monarch Abode Hanging Bird Bath Feeder, you might not see crowds of birds gathering to drink or bathe. Still, this is a good choice if you don’t have room for a pedestal bath or want to keep your bird bath up high to avoid predators or curious children.
  • Deck-mounted bird baths are basins with mounting brackets that clamp to a deck or balcony rail. These are ideal for birders who live in apartments, want to entice visiting birds closer, or don’t have a lot of garden space. Before buying a deck-mounted bird bath, ensure it will fit onto your railings, or the bath will wobble or slip. Our top deck-mounted pick, the Hanizi Bird Bath clamps onto rails up to 2 inches thick.
  • Ground bird baths, like our favorite ground basin, the Topadorn Bird Bath, are bowls that sit on the ground. Many birds like these baths, as they most closely resemble natural water sources. However, they can quickly become dirty from fallen leaves or garden debris, requiring more frequent cleaning. Unless you have a suitable spot to set the bath within easy view of your windows, you might not see many birds enjoying the bath due to its lack of height.
  • Heated bird baths have some form of heating element that prevents water from freezing in the winter. Some allow you to remove the heater when not in use, while in others, the heater is an integral part of the design. You’ll find pedestal, ground, and deck-mounted bird baths with heaters. Birders living in cold climates can greatly help local birds make it through the rough winter by providing a heated bath that gives birds access to fresh drinking water when it might be hard to find otherwise. Our best heated option is the Allied Precision 20-Inch Heated Deck-Mount Bird Bath.

Fountain or bubbling features are great additions to bird baths, as the water movement helps attract more birds and reduces insect larvae such as mosquitoes. Many pedestal bird baths have a large enough basin to hold a solar-powered fountain; our best pick for hummingbirds, the Vivohome 20-Inch Outdoor Bird Bath, comes with a solar fountain that is very attractive to hummingbirds.

Other bird baths, including the Kenroy Home Vogel Fountain, our favorite fountain, have an incorporated pump to run the fountain. These bird baths/fountains must be plugged into a nearby electrical outlet.

Size, Height, and Depth

You want a bird bath with a basin large enough for your feathered visitors to comfortably splash, perch, and drink, but not so large that it looks out of place in your garden or is difficult to keep clean. Most pedestal bird baths have a basin between one and two feet in diameter. Smaller bird baths, like our best hanging option, the Monarch Abode Hanging Bird Bath Feeder (11 inches in diameter), are easier to fill and take up less space. But be aware that smaller bird baths require more frequent topping-off of water.

If you have a larger garden, want a bath that’s large enough for several birds to use together, or want a bird bath that won’t require you to top it off as often, then go with a larger basin. But remember that the larger the bird bath, the heavier it will be, making it more challenging to empty the basin for cleaning. The largest bird bath on this list is our top ceramic option, the Sunnydaze Ceramic Bird Bath, at 18 inches in diameter. This pick also has sloped sides to accommodate different sizes of birds.

The depth of the basin is crucial, because smaller birds, including the most common backyard visitors, won’t use a bird bath that’s too deep. Generally, the basin should be just a couple of inches deep, with gently sloped sides that allow birds to easily move to the depth where they are most comfortable. If your bird bath is too deep, you can set a couple of small rocks in the center to provide a perching spot.

Concerning the height of your bird bath, remember that natural water sources are not high off the ground, so choose a bird bath accordingly. Most common backyard birds will enjoy a pedestal bath no more than 3 feet tall. All of the pedestal bird baths on this list are below 3 feet tall, with the tallest being our best pick for hummingbirds, the Vivohome 20-inch Outdoor Bird Bath, at 28 inches tall.

Larger birds, or those that spend most of their time on the ground, may prefer a ground bird bath that sits right on the ground, like our favorite ground basin, the Topadorn Bird Bath, where it’s easy for them to hop in and out. 

However, if there are outdoor cats in your area that might hunt birds visiting your yard, then a higher bird bath, or even a hanging bird bath, like our best budget pick, the Mumtop Hanging Bird Bath, can offer more protection to feathered visitors. 

Our best overall, the Alpine Corporation Ceramic Bird Bath, is 24 inches tall with a 16-inch diameter basin that’s 2.85 inches at its deepest point. That makes it very well suited to most backyard bird visitors.

Material

Bird baths can be made of many different materials. To a great extent, choosing the material is mostly a matter of preference, but you should also consider the ease of cleaning and its durability.

  • Ceramic is one of the most common materials for pedestal bird baths. Our favorite ceramic bird bath is the Sunnydaze Ceramic Bird Bath. Ceramic holds up well to most weather conditions, except for freezing temperatures. It’s easy to wipe clean, which is a big plus. On the downside, ceramic can be slippery, discouraging some birds from using the bath, and it might shatter if struck or dropped.
  • Cast stone or concrete bird baths are another very sturdy option, like our best for gardens pick, the Athena Garden Cast Stone Large Octagon Bird Bath. These are generally quite heavy, preventing them from tipping over in high winds and making them more difficult to move or tip. Concrete bird baths are generally frost-resistant but still might crack in severely cold weather. These also tend to be the most expensive bird baths.
  • Glass basins are often used in hanging bird baths or perched on small pedestals. We like the Mumtop Hanging Bird Bath, our best budget pick, which is beautifully painted. These bird baths can be very decorative, with bright colors or patterns swirled into the glass. Plus, they are generally easy to wipe clean. However, glass is fragile, so your bird bath is likely to break if struck or dropped. Plus, glass can be slippery, which is off-putting to many birds. 
  • Plastic is most often used for deck-mounted or hanging bird baths, due to its light weight. It’s also generally the least expensive bird bath material. However, it can be harder to scrub away algae and other slimy grunge from plastic than other materials, and it tends to stain. 
  • Copper or other metals are sometimes used for hanging bird baths or small pedestal baths. We especially like the copper of our best hanging option, the Monarch Abode Hanging Bird Bath Feeder. Copper’s natural beauty is hard to beat, but it will tarnish or develop a patina over time, although it’s generally fairly easy to scrub free of algae. Metal bird baths can heat the water to uncomfortable levels for bathing birds, so position these baths out of the direct sun.

Style and Design

Some bird baths, particularly deck-mounted or inexpensive baths, are rather utilitarian. But many bird baths are very attractive—some qualify as yard art—and add beauty to your garden. While natural tones or soft blues are the most common colors for bird baths, you’ll find a wide range of hues available, so choose the one that best suits your decorating style.

We love the unique styles and patterns available for our favorite ceramic bird bath, the Sunnydaze Ceramic Bird Bath. But be aware that some birds might not flock to extremely bright colors that don’t resemble natural water sources. Therefore, opt for our best for gardens pick, the Athena Garden Cast Stone Large Octagon Bird Bath which comes in five natural hues.

As for design, many bird baths have the classic, pedestal shape, but there are some contemporary designs as well, particularly in cast stone or concrete bird baths.

FAQ
  • What is the best height for a bird bath?

    Marc Parnell, ornithologist and author of The Birding Pro's Field Guides, answers, “While many larger birds may tend to prefer baths situated nearer to ground level, the risk of predation is much higher. I tend to recommend a bird bath height of approximately two to three feet, which provides some degree of protection against predators while also suiting the bathing preferences of the widest variety of birds.”

  • How do you attract birds to a bird bath?

    Diana Ludwiczak, certified wildlife rehabber and animal trainer, as well as the founder of Birdy Birdy Birdy, a website all about birds, gives this advice for attracting birds to a bird bath.

    “Location is key: Birds prefer to bathe in areas that are safe from predators, so make sure your bird bath is located in a spot where birds can easily see their surroundings and take cover if necessary.

    She goes on to share that birds are more attracted to clean water, so plan to regularly refill and clean your bird bath.

    Also, don't shy away from accessories. "Birds love a good splash, so adding a dripper or fountain to your bird bath can make it even more enticing. You can also add some rocks or sticks to the bird bath for birds to perch on," she continues.

    This may be a no-brainer, but add some bird food to your bird bath. This can entice birds to snack while they bathe or drink.

    “Overall, attracting birds to your bird bath is all about creating a safe, clean, and inviting environment that birds will want to visit again and again," says Ludwiczak.

  • How far away from a house should a bird bath be?

    According to Marc Parnell, the best practice for bird bath is to place them 25 feet away from any windows. This gives the bird enough room to avoid running into the window when they leave or enter the bath.

    “These precautions help to prevent fatal bird-window strikes, which collectively account for hundreds of millions of avian deaths in the US each year," he says.

  • How do you keep a bird bath clean?

    Bird baths quickly become dirty due to contamination from bird droppings, algae growth, decomposing leaves and other debris, and dust. Here’s how to keep your bird bath clean, according to Ludwiczak.

    “One method is to use a natural cleaning solution made from equal parts water and vinegar. Simply scrub the bird bath with the solution and rinse it clean with water. Another option is to use plain old soap, water, and a scrub brush," she says.

    Additionally, regularly emptying and refilling the bird bath with fresh water can also help prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.

  • What is the best material for a bird bath?

    There’s no one material that’s best for bird baths, because each of the materials commonly used for the purpose has pros and cons. But as a general rule, the best material is easy to wipe clean, provides some grip for birds’ feet, doesn’t heat up the water excessively, doesn’t leach chemicals into the water, and has an attractive appearance. Ceramic is one of the most popular bird bath materials, as it fits most of those qualifications, but glass, copper, plastic, and concrete are also suitable choices.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who is a writer specializing in home and garden products. She has been a commerce writer for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products, including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. To choose the best bird baths for this article, she evaluated dozens of bird baths of various types, evaluating each for durability, appeal to a wide range of birds, style, basin size, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Our Experts:

  • Marc Parnell, ornithologist and author of The Birding Pro's Field Guides
  • Diana Ludwiczak, a certified wildlife rehabber and animal trainer, as well as the founder of Birdy Birdy Birdy
  • Julia Fields, associate commerce editor
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