10 Gorgeous Bird Baths for Hours of Birdwatching (2024)

Our Top Picks

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}

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 "peaco*ck" 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}

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}

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}

This contemporary-yet-timeless cast-stone bird bath from Campania International is sure to add a contemplative note to your garden. This is no lightweight, flimsy bird bath; at a total weight of 116 pounds, there's little danger of wind or animals knocking it over.

The overall height is 25.5 inches, and the basin measures 15 inches at its widest point. The basin is 2 inches deep, which is perfect for even small birds to bathe and drink, but it does mean that you'll need to refill the water frequently as wind and evaporation lower the level. If desired, you could add a small solar fountain, which adds pleasing sound and movement to the water and helps attract passing birds.

The most impressive feature of this bird bath is its gorgeous look. It's handmade by skilled artisans with vines and birds carved throughout. There are several patinas to choose from, so you can choose the hand-applied color that best matches your garden or decorating theme. It's designed to mimic natural materials and will weather over time, which adds to its vintage feel.

_{Overall Height: 25.5 inches |Diameter of Bowl: 15 inches |Depth of Bowl: 2 inches |Material: Concrete |Type: Pedastal}

Feathered visitors will flock to this beautiful hanging bird bath, which won't take up space in your backyard or garden. The simple design is made of durable plastic with a resin coating to withstand the elements. The strong stainless-steel chains are treated to prevent rusting.

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 11.8 inches across, which is on the small side, although still large enough for finches and other songbirds to use and enjoy.

This option also doubles as a bird feeder; just fill it with birdseed. The plastic surface is extremely easy to clean, so you could switch back and forth to attract and watch more birds in your backyard.

_{Overall Height: 18.8 inches |Diameter of Bowl: 11.8 inches |Depth of Bowl: Not Listed |Material: Plastic, resin, stainless-steel |Type: Hanging}

This bird bath from Smart Solar combines the beauty and calming sound of a fountain with the convenience of solar power. Place the gorgeous bird bath in a sunny spot in your garden, and the sun will power the pump that controls the fountain. The two included fountain heads allow you to switch between an umbrella and a bubbling effect.

The bird bath recycles water from a hidden reservoir. It's easy to hose down if it gets dirty, and refill the basin as needed. On cloudy days, the fountain may stop a few times, but you can always manually fill the bird bath's basin and continue watching feathered friends come and go.

The glass fiber concrete bird bath has a stunning, naturally weathered appearance but is reinforced for optional durability. Just note that freezing temperatures can cause damage, so we recommend using an outdoor furniture cover or storing it in the garage during the winter.

Though made of concrete, this option is significantly lighter than our best concrete pick, the Campania International Hummingbird Concrete Pedestal Bird Bath, so it's easier to move around your space and store during the off-season.

_{Overall Height: 28 inches |Diameter of Bowl: 20.5 inches |Depth of Bowl: Not Listed |Material: Glass fiber concrete |Type: Pedastal}

We love this metal bird bath because it's easy to clean, weather-resistant, and comes in multiple vintage-inspired colors. The bowl and stand of this option are made from coated metal to resist damage from the sun or rain. Metal is also less prone to breaking than glass or plastic alternatives, which is ideal for a tall option like this that could easily tip over.

The sturdy base of this bird bath has four prongs for stakes in your garden or grassy backyard. It's easy to install and lightweight enough to move around your space as desired, but this could limit the placement of your bird bath. Therefore, it is best suited for a space with a lot of grassy areas or a garden with pliable soil.

The bird bath arrives in two pieces, so it's extremely easy to assemble and set up right away. If so desired, you could also fill the bowl with bird seed. We love the colorful options available, which we don't often see with metal bird baths.

_{Overall Height: 36.2 inches |Diameter of Bowl: 10.6 inches |Depth of Bowl: 1.6 inches |Material: Metal |Type: Pedastal}

A ground bird bath or a bird bath bowl 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 fiber clay bird bath from Fleur De Lis Living, which comes in four gorgeous colors.

The bowl is 19 inches in diameter with a depth of 2.5 inches, which is one of the largest basins on our list. This means less refilling and more birdwatching. 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 5 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. But because it's so easy to clean and move, you could definitely repurpose this bird bath indoors during the winter.

_{Overall Height: 3.8 inches |Diameter of Bowl: 19 inches |Depth of Bowl: 2.5 inches |Material: Fiber clay |Type: Ground}

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}

Final Verdict

The Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath is the best bird bath in our opinion, 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 Cargen Hanging Bird Bath is made from plastic with rust-resistant stainless-steel chains that are durable and easy to hang anywhere you please.

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.

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