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Birds need a safe source of water to survive and thrive in any habitat. Installing a high-quality bird bath can be a great way to not only provide a necessity for your feathered friends, but also to attract them to your yard for your own enjoyment.
When shopping for the best bird bath, you have numerous options to choose from. Select one that is both easy for birds to use and also easy to maintain and keep clean. To offer first-hand assessments of some of the best bird baths on the market today, we conducted thorough tests of several bird baths. We’re pleased to report that while each option offered different features and functionality, they all attracted birds.
- BEST OVERALL: Sunnydaze Glazed Ceramic Classic Outdoor Bird Bath
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vivohome Bird Bath and Solar Powered Fountain Combo
- BEST HANGING: Evergreen Tiffany Inspired Glass Hanging Bird Bath
- BEST DECK-MOUNTED: Audubon by WoodLink Deck Mount Bird Bath
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Mumtop Glass Bird Bath
- BEST HEATED: Allied Precision Heated Deck Mount Bird Bath
ALSO TESTED: Bloem Promo Bird Bath
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bird Bath
When shopping for a bird bath, keep some key features in mind to make the choice easier. Its likely location in the yard is probably the most important determining factor, followed closely by ease of maintenance and the probability that the birds will use it. Keep reading to learn more about what to consider before purchasing a bird bath.
Type
When choosing a bird bath, first consider its probable location, which helps determine the best type of bird bath for each shopper’s needs. The five most common bird bath types are hanging, ground, deck-mounted, wall-mounted, and one-piece.
- Hanging baths can be placed on a sturdy tree branch, pole, or deck. They’re easy to clean and ideal for small areas.
- Ground baths are the easiest to install and move around. Moreover, because they’re made to mimic puddles, they provide a more natural-appearing water source.
- Deck-mounted baths are small, making them ideal for small yards. They provide an up-close view of the birds.
- Wall-mounted baths are similar to deck-mounted baths, but instead of being secured to a deck railing, they’re mounted to a wall.
- One-piece baths, also known as pedestals, are the bulkiest type of bird bath. However, since they come in a wide range of styles, they’re a popular choice.
Size and Bird Comfort
Smaller baths offer more versatility and work well for tight spaces, but they may cause territorial issues in the bird population. Larger baths hold more water and give birds more room to bathe without getting in each other’s way.
Also consider the comfort of the bird visitors. Look for baths with ledges that are easy for birds to grip and basins that are deep enough for them to bathe. A good rule of thumb when considering depth is to allow about 1 to 2 inches, though some models have both shallow and deep ends.
Water Movement
Also decide if the bird bath will feature moving water. While many models are simply basins designed to be filled with still water, some bird baths come with fountains, misters, drippers, and bubblers.
While moving water isn’t a necessity, it can help attract birds. Moreover, moving water helps deter insects and algae, making the bird bath easier to maintain and keep clean.
Some models come with moving built-in water elements, but bird lovers may want to add a bubbler or fountain to a still water bath.
Height
Also consider the height of the bird bath, which helps determine the kinds of birds it will attract.
For example, smaller birds, such as finches, jays, and sparrows, usually flock toward taller baths because they offer a better viewpoint and allow them to see any oncoming predators. Deck-mounted, wall-mounted, or hanging baths likely will attract these types of birds.
Shorter baths, like ground baths or shorter pedestal baths, typically attract larger birds that are more comfortable on the ground, such as ducks, quail, owls, and doves. This kind of bath mimics the ponds the birds are accustomed to using.
Location of Bird Bath
The bird bath’s location helps determine how comfortable birds will feel using it. Ground baths should look like natural puddles as much as possible, so place some leaves or stones around the edge to give birds a comfortable place to stand.
Also place the bath near a place that can provide shelter or protection, such as a bush or tree, to supply the birds with shelter from predators. Birds often use a bird bath more frequently if it’s near native trees and shrubs that produce fruit. For convenience and cleaning, make sure the bath is near a garden hose.
Our Top Picks
The best bird bath provides enough room for a flock of birds to bathe and drink comfortably. While they are available in various colors and styles, top-quality baths are durable and easy to maintain. We considered a range of categories and based the recommendations in this list on rigorous testing to help shoppers find the best bird bath for their backyards.
Best Overall
Sunnydaze Glazed Ceramic Classic Outdoor Bird Bath
Glazed ceramic pottery is durable and attractive. The Sunnydaze Glazed Ceramic Classic Outdoor Bird Bath has an 18-inch diameter bowl with a sea-foam green finish that’s easy to clean and won’t fade in the sun. The base features cutouts of leaves. This pedestal bird bath stands 20.5 inches tall.
This bird bath is a classic pedestal-style style. The bath is made from genuine ceramic and features a shiny frost-resistant glaze finish. However, it’s quite heavy, and although it’s easy to assemble, it takes a bit of time and patience to align the notches to the base for a secure fit. The bowl is wide with a depth of 1.5 inches—more than enough for birds to bathe. This bird bath is both attractive and durable, making it our top pick.
Product Specs
- Style: Pedestal
- Material: Glazed ceramic
- Height: 20.5 inches
Pros
- Frost resistant
- Classic ceramic pedestal and bowl
- Durable and heavy
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Sunnydaze bird bath at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Best Bang for the Buck
Vivohome Bird Bath and Solar Powered Fountain Combo
The Vivohome bird bath is a one-piece, pedestal-style bath that comes with a solar-powered water fountain pump. It must be placed in direct sunlight to operate. The fountain has multiple heads that can create different water patterns.
The bath is made of lightweight weather-resistant polyresin that lasts. It comes in three colors, copper, gray, and green, and it has a hollowed-out base that can be filled with rocks or sand to keep it stable. It also comes with three ground stakes. This bird bath is 20 inches in diameter and 28 inches tall.
Birds are attracted to moving water. With the Vivohome bird bath, you have a fountain without the necessity for a nearby electrical outlet. It’s easy to assemble, and we noticed that it works even on overcast days and in early dusk. It features a classic design that complements most decor. However, the fountain can float, which may cause the water to spray out of the bird bath. It must be secured with a weight or tacked to the bottom of the basin.
Product Specs
- Style: Pedestal
- Material: Resin
- Height: 28 inches
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Simple design
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Solar fountain floats
Get the Vivohome bird bath on Amazon, at The Home Depot, or at Walmart.
Best Hanging
Evergreen Tiffany Inspired Glass Hanging Bird Bath
The Evergreen Tiffany Inspired Glass Hanging Bird Bath features a colorful design that catches the sunlight and lures birds.
At 14 inches in diameter and 21.25 inches tall, it’s one of the smaller baths on this list. The bath is easy to install and comes with a hook to hang it on poles, branches, and even decks. While it’s intended to be used as a bath, users also can fill it with birdseed and use it as a bird feeder. This bird bath can hold up to 3 cups of water or birdseed and is available in a single color scheme.
When the sun hits the Tiffany-style glass on this hanging bird bath, it glows! It’s easy to hang right out of the box and is a quality product. However, the chain seems a bit flimsy and not particularly durable.
Product Specs
- Style: Hanging
- Material: Glass
- Height: N/A
Pros
- Attractive, high-end glass design
- Easy to hang
- Versatile use as a feeder or bath
Cons
- Chain feels flimsy
Get the Evergreen bird bath at Overstock.
Best Deck-Mounted
Audubon by WoodLink Deck Mount Bird Bath
The Audubon by WoodLink Deck Mount Bird Bath is constructed with steel and polypropylene, making it a durable and long-lasting choice. The bird bath secures to a deck railing and holds 1 quart of water. It’s 2.5 inches deep, making it suitable for larger birds. However, at only 13 inches by 11.5 inches by 7 inches (including mounting gear), it’s quite small. The small size may create territorial issues in the bird population.
The mount adjusts to fit most rise railings, and no tools are required to install it. This bath has a terra cotta finish, and its pedestal is hollow, enabling users to fill it with sand or water for extra stability.
The Audubon by WoodLink bird bath is excellent for decks or small areas. It needs no assembly and installs easily. Although this bird bath is attractive, we found its design basic and a tad boring.
Product Specs
- Style: Deck/rail-mounted
- Material: Polypropylene
- Height: N/A
Pros
- Easily attaches to railings
- Simple, portable design
- No tools required to install
Cons
- Not particularly attractive
- May be overpriced
Get the Audubon by WoodLink bird bath on Amazon or Walmart.
Best For Small Spaces
Mumtop Glass Bird Bath
The Mumtop Glass Bird Bath is only 8.9 inches wide and 26 inches tall, making it one of the smallest one-piece styles on this list. Rather than a hollowed-out pedestal, this bird bath sits on a three-pronged stainless steel stake that provides stability, which also makes it easy to install.
The glass basin is weather resistant, easy to clean, and durable. It has a scalloped edge that gives birds a place to perch. This versatile piece of yard art can also be used as a feeder with the addition of birdseed. Priced affordably, the Mumtop comes in two peacock-inspired designs.
This bird bath may be the most attractive of all the bird baths on this list. The blue peacock design adds a pop of color to the landscape. Ready to install right out of the box, it requires no assembly. However, this bird bath is small, so the water may evaporate quickly on hot, sunny days.
Product Specs
- Style: Pedestal
- Material: Metal and glass
- Height: 26 inches
Pros
- Durable materials
- Attractive color and design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Water evaporates quickly
Get the Mumtop bird bath on Amazon.
Best Heated
Allied Precision Heated Deck Mount Bird Bath
Birds that overwinter in cold climates still need a water source. The Allied Precision heated bird bath, which is made of durable, weather-resistant plastic, measures 20 inches in diameter. It features an enclosed heating element to help keep it protected from the weather and animals. The bird bath mounts to a deck railing, pole, or pedestal, and all the hardware is included.
This bird bath does indeed prevent water from freezing. It includes mounting hardware to attach it to any pedestal, deck railing, or pole, but the bird bath can also be set directly on the ground. The bird bath’s power cord is short, so you may need an outdoor-rated extension cord. This bird bath is quite expensive and suitable only for those who live in a cold climate where the air temperature stays below freezing for most of the winter.
Product Specs
- Style: Mounted bowl
- Material: Plastic
- Height: N/A
Pros
- Generous bowl
- Simple, clean design
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons
- No stand or pedestal
- Short power cord
- Expensive
Get the Allied Precision bird bath at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.
ALSO TESTED
We also tested the Bloem Promo Bird Bath, and unfortunately, it does not meet our testing standards. Right out of the box, it feels thin and flimsy, like the plastic on a milk jug. The plastic seems cheap and dents easily. Assembly requires screwing the base to the bowl with the included screws. This bird bath cannot sit upright without adding sand to the hollow base, which means an additional step and cost. Our “Best Bang for the Buck” and several of our other picks retail for around the same price and are made from glass or durable polyresin. The Bloem pedestal feeder isn’t worth purchasing.
Our Verdict
We selected the Sunnydaze Glazed Ceramic Classic Outdoor Bird Bath as our top pick because it provides ample space for birds to bathe and drink, and it’s made from quality glazed ceramic for long-lasting durability. It offers ample space for several birds to splash around, and it’s easy to fill and maintain. The Vivohome Bird Bath And Solar Powered Fountain Combo is also an excellent pick. It attracts birds via its included solar fountain and comes at a reasonable price.
How We Tested the Best Bird Baths
We tested each bird bath according to established rubrics, including size, materials, ease of cleaning and filling, extra features, and its attraction for birds. We rated each feeder based on these rubrics on a scale between 0 and 4 to determine the score.
We also considered the bird bath’s ease of assembly. Next, we filled and cleaned the bird bath to determine the difficulty in maintaining the bath. Next, we examined its aesthetics and how it looked in the landscape.
FAQs
Now that you’ve learned more about what’s involved in choosing the best bird bath, it’s time to answer any remaining questions you may have about bird bath selection. Valuable information about caring for a bird bath and choosing the best-quality bath for your backyard appear next.
Q. How do you attract birds to a bird bath?
Place the bird bath in the shade and near trees, making sure to keep the water cool and fresh.
Q. Where should you place a bird bath?
A bird bath should be under a tree, preferably directly under branches that hang about 2 to 3 feet from the basin of the bath.
Q. How do you clean a bird bath?
Refill the water every other day, and give it a good scrub with a water-and-vinegar solution if it looks grimy.
Q. How often do you need to clean a bird bath?
You should clean a bird bath at least two to three times per week.
