:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-sunnydaze-duo-tone-glazed-ceramic-bird-bath-daniela-galvez-1-1-4b419c6ec67940ab98ad2261a55c1e7a.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "Our Favorite, Tested Bird Baths to Attract Fine Feathered Friends This Summer")
Creating an outdoor space that’s enjoyable for humans and animals alike can start with a few key items, like a bird bath. I recommend one that’s strong in form and function, so you can enjoy watching birds come through and still like how it looks in your yard between visitors.
My team and I tested 10 different bird baths at homes across the country, assessing important traits like design, durability, size, appeal to the widest variety of birds, and overall value.
We came away with some favorites (and tips!). For starters, the range of bowl depths went from 1.6 to 2.5 inches, but a general rule of thumb is to not fill more than 2 inches of water for a bird bath. Not sure where to put the bird bath? We have guidance on that, too.
What’s Best for the Birds
We conducted our testing from early to mid-spring, and found that some bird baths saw much less activity than others. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes that birds don’t typically bathe in cooler weather and that summer months may be more useful for birds, so we’re still keeping an eye out.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-sunnydaze-duo-tone-glazed-ceramic-bird-bath-daniela-galvez-12-14f2998825ac4cd183954e0bc613810a.jpeg)
I love the look of this bird bath—it’s got an elegant appearance and durable ceramic construction, which are two of my favorite features.
Within days of its arrival, we spotted two American robins enjoying it. On that same note, it was easy to clean thanks to the shallow basin and glazed ceramic material, especially compared to the concrete bird bath that this one replaced, which collected algae in the cracks.
What Our Tester Said
“The bird bath is made from heavy ceramic, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over easily. Unless a bear is knocking it over, you can rest assured it’s not budging.”
Speaking of the ceramic construction, this is a hardy piece at roughly 38 pounds, so we recommend setting it up in the location where you intend to keep it. Setup is just screwing the top to the base.
It’s not so heavy that dumping water and cleaning it is a struggle, but we don’t recommend carrying it all over your yard if you can avoid it.
We opted to test a gorgeous two-tone blueish green bird bath (Galaxy) and there are 11 different colors available (I’m eyeing the Lava, which is a beautiful coral color).
Height: 21 inches | Bowl Diameter: 18 inches | Bowl Depth: 1.6 inches | Material: Glazed ceramic | Type: Pedestal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-khayrovies-metal-bird-bath-jena-wilson-04-4751c704d9f74272a5b61236c9252b1f.jpeg)
For a slim, no-frills choice that’s a lighter lift to install in your yard, we recommend this metal bird bath. It’s prime for a smaller or more simply designed garden, or for someone who wants to try out different spots in their yard before installing a heavier bath.
In contrast to our best overall choice, it’s easier to set up and move, while still made from a durable material (metal, in this case).
What Our Tester Said
“This bird bath would be wonderful for someone with a small garden area, because it’s sleek and nice-looking. The removable bowl is easy to clean and store during the winter.”
It wasn’t as quick to attract birds as some of our other options, but the soft dirt held the spiked base relatively securely. We say “relatively” because the design of the stakes did result in a bit of a tilt once this bird bath was set up, so there was a slight slant to the water bowl.
We would be quicker to judge the tilted setup if it were a heavier or more pricey piece, but given the lightweight construction (it’s just shy of 3 pounds) and stake design, we’re inclined to be a bit more forgiving since adjustments are easy.
One thing to note is that the metal construction of this bird bath means it heats up in the sun, and water evaporates quickly, too. We recommend a partially shady spot, or at least nothing in full sun all day, or you’ll be refilling it daily.
Overall Height: 36.2 inches | Bowl Diameter: 10.6 inches | Bowl Depth: 1.6 inches | Material: Metal | Type: Pedestal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-mumtop-hanging-bird-bath-dena-ogden-08-0ddfe5a1c47c4ad09b3147c99f7d36c9.jpeg)
What We Like
-
Beautiful glass design
-
Easy to hang
-
Can be cleaned at a sink
This is the bird bath currently hanging in my backyard, and it’s even prettier in person than it is in the photos. So much so, that I almost considered hanging it on my wall like a decorative plate.
Alas, I’ve instead opted to use it as it’s designed, letting it hang from a thin tree branch in the corner of my yard, and that’s adjacent to some above-ground flower beds.
What Our Tester Said
Since this bird bath is light and easy to move, I took it down and cleaned it at my kitchen sink, which was really smooth (and not something I’ve ever been able to do with full-sized/standing bird baths!).
I say it’s hanging from a “thin” branch because the hook is smaller than a traditional clothes hanger, which is limiting when selecting a location. That could easily be remedied with a second hook or cord of your choosing, though.
So far, I haven’t seen any birds use it, but I also haven’t seen a ton of birds in my yard in general this season, so I’m not judging this bird bath too harshly.
It comes with the chains and hook already attached, so hanging it up took literally just a few seconds (I think I spent more time considering where to hang it than actually hanging it). And it’ll be a cinch to move to another part of my yard when the seasons change.
One note of caution is that the pretty pattern on this feeder is only visible from above, so keep that in mind as you’re selecting a location. From the sides and underneath, it’s a more neutral silvery tone.
Overall Height: 20 inches | Bowl Diameter: 11 inches | Bowl Depth: 2 inches | Material: Glass | Type: Hanging
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-lowes-traditional-column-pre-aged-concrete-birdbath-ariel-turner-7-cff1f3fe2acd49499d2b1b24de1cf9cc.jpeg)
What We Don’t Like
-
Gets dirty pretty easily
-
Arrived with minor chip
This traditional concrete bird bath will feel timeless in your yard—in fact, I’d even wager that once you find the right spot for it, you’ll feel like it’s always been there. The classic design will blend right in with most garden and landscape styles.
So far, we haven’t seen birds in it in person yet, but we’ve found feathers, a sign that they’ve been by (or at least very close!). We also assessed that the shape and size seem just right for most birds in our area, which includes smaller birds like black birds, cardinals, blue jays, and robins.
What Our Tester Said
“The design does have a lip all the way around where birds can perch…[I]t’s a good level of water when filled to capacity—not shallow enough where birds can’t dip themselves in, and not deep enough where smaller birds would struggle.”
In general, concrete construction is extremely durable, although we did discover a small chip on this bird bath on arrival, so it’s not completely indestructible. There was also some visible dirt when we received it, so we suspect that it was probably on display at a nearby store.
The weathered finish camouflages some of the wear and tear that comes with products like this, (like algae). We’ve been fine to just hose it off and wipe with a paper towel to freshen it back up (but depending on your climate, there may be more or less maintenance required).
It also has a depth of 3 inches, but remember that experts advise no more than 2 inches of water, so be cautious when you fill it.
Overall Height: 27 inches | Bowl Diameter: 24 inches | Bowl Depth: 3 inches | Material: Concrete | Type: Pedestal
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-fluer-de-lis-living-birds-and-beyond-bird-bath-bowl-mary-amadeo-6-568b395983ff44748133bb789f6f0610.jpeg)
If you need a bowl and a bowl only, this is our top pick. The gorgeous blue color delighted us when we saw it in person (and the other available options look just as lovely).
We used it right in the grass—no base needed—and had no concerns about its durability and construction. We didn’t catch any birds taking a dip during the spring weeks that we tested, but didn’t have any qualms about its usefulness for them.
What Our Tester Said
“The slope of the bird bath is gradual, so it would appear that they could go into the water without going all the way in at once. [It’s] fairly wide and can hold a lot of water.”
Even though we used it on the ground, it was easy to clean, and she found that wiping it was sufficient for clearing the grass and leaves that landed in it. It’s also super lightweight, so you can easily reposition it or even lift it and clean it whenever the need arises.
Now, if you don’t want to use this bird bath on the ground, we think it could also work equally well with the right pedestal or on the right surface. There’s even a notch on the underside of this bird bath that feels like it’s meant for installation.
One other area of note is that this bowl has a listed depth of 2.5 inches, but experts typically advise no more than 2 inches of water in bird baths, so fill carefully.
Overall Height: 3.5 inches | Bowl Diameter: 19.5 inches | Bowl Depth: 2.5 inches | Material: Clay mix | Type: Bowl only
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-alpine-corporation-ceramic-pedestal-bird-bath-ryann-springer-02-8c67ecb23bd941e7bc2cb192fb284369.jpeg)
We tested this in the Pacific Northwest and observed lots of activity in this bird bath, quickly spotting sparrows and chickadees in it (placing it by a bird feeder probably helped with that!).
The ceramic bath cleaning process is smooth, too—we rinsed it daily and scrubbed it weekly. It stood up well to springtime rain and sun, and we feel good about its weather resistance for the coming PNW seasons, too.
What Our Tester Said
“This bird bath stays super clean, which is really nice from a looks perspective, but also makes it easy to keep it sanitary for the birds.”
There’s no way to attach the bowl and the stand beyond just placing the bowl on top. On the flip side, that means you can easily lift the top off as needed. While we tend to like the extra stability that comes from attaching the two pieces (and would recommend it if you plan to attract larger birds), it still served its purpose well for the smaller birds in the yard.
Speaking of bird sizes, we observed that the ledge is big enough that larger birds like crows would probably be fine with it, too—but just be warned that the unattached pieces could be bumped or knocked over, so you may want to consider ways to secure the two (or look at a different feeder) if larger birds are likely visitors.
This is another example of a bowl with a deeper basin than what experts recommend (3.25 inches vs. the 2-inch rule of thumb), so fill with care.
Overall Height: 25 inches | Bowl Diameter: 19 inches | Bowl Depth: 3.25 inches | Material: Ceramic | Type: Pedestal
Other Bird Baths I Have My Eye On
If the above bird baths that we’ve tried aren’t quite what you’re looking for, my team and I do have some other suggestions that could be good contenders, based on other unique features.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/allied-precision-heated-bird-bath-with-mounting-bracket-8b389497bd304fbe820993d1a200f421.jpg)
This deck-mounted option has a hidden heating element, so it can safely work in temperatures down to 20 degrees below zero.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vivohome-outdoor-garden-bird-bath-with-fountain-pump-7b73d2f64a9d4974ae95421fc45b29c7.jpg)
The included solar fountain offers four different sprays, which—bonus—can be especially appealing to hummingbirds.
Final Verdict
Our favorite bird bath is the Sunnydaze Duo-Tone Glazed Ceramic Bird Bath, an elegant pedestal bath with a gorgeous ceramic design and super-durable construction. If you’re looking for something a little more lightweight or subtle, we also love the Mumtop Hanging Bird Bath, a beautiful glass bowl that comes with hanging hardware already attached.
How We Tested
We set up the bird baths in our yards, in homes throughout the country (including Washington and New Jersey). We kept the following questions in mind for each:
- Ease of setup: How difficult or smooth is it to get this bird bath set up and ready for bird visitors? Are the steps reasonable?
- Performance: Did birds visit this bird bath? And how well does it hold and retain water?
- Ease of cleaning: Did this bird bath collect grime or residue over the testing period? Was the effort to clean it reasonable?
- Durability: Did it feel strong and stable, and did it hold up to different weather conditions during the testing period?
- Value: How do we feel about the bird bath overall, and do we think the listed price is what we would spend?
When Buying a Bird Bath, Look for
Bird Bath Type and Design Details
There are five basic types of bird baths, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some bird baths incorporate heaters or fountains. You might even choose to have more than one type in your yard.
- Pedestal bird baths, like our best overall pick, the Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath, are the most common type. 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. These can be heavy, and they 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. Because these are typically small, like our best hanging option, the Cargen Hanging Bird Bath, you might not see crowds of birds gathering. 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.
- Deck-mounted bird baths are basins with mounting brackets that clamp to a deck or balcony rail. They’re ideal for birders who live in apartments or don’t have much garden space. Before buying a deck-mounted bird bath, ensure it will fit onto your railings; otherwise, the bath will wobble or slip.
- Ground bird baths, like our best bowl, the Fleur De Lis Living Bird Bath Bowl, 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. Unless you have a suitable spot to set the bath within 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 in cold climates can 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 fountain pick, the Smart Solar Bedrock Solar Birdbath, has a hidden basin and two fountain heads for a hands-free option.
Basin Diameter and Depth
You want a bird bath with a basin large enough for your feathered visitors to splash, perch, and drink comfortably, but not so large that it looks out of place in your garden or is difficult to keep clean. Most pedestal bird baths have basins between one and two feet in diameter.
Smaller bird baths, like our best hanging option, the Cargen Hanging Bird Bath (11.8 inches in diameter), are easier to fill and take up less space. However, smaller bird baths require more frequent water topping-off.
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, which is 18 inches in diameter and 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 move to the depth where they are most comfortable easily. If your bird bath is too deep, you can set a couple of small rocks in the center to provide a perching spot.
Our best overall, the Alpine Corporation Ceramic Bird Bath, features 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.
Overall Height and Distance from the Ground
When it comes to 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 taller than 3 feet.
Parnell also notes, “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.”
All of the pedestal bird baths on our 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 bowl, the Fleur De Lis Living Bird Bath Bowl, which makes it 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.
Material
Material is another big consideration. Bird baths can be made of many different materials. While choosing the material is mostly a matter of preference, you should also consider its ease of cleaning and durability.
As you shop, you’ll encounter bird baths made of:
- 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. However, ceramic can be slippery and shatter if struck or dropped.
- Cast stone or concrete bird baths are another very sturdy option, like our best concrete pick, the Campania International Hummingbird Concrete Pedestal 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 may still crack in severely cold weather. They 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’re 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, like our best metal pick, the KHayRovies Metal Bird Bath. Metal is weather-resistant, easy to clean, and lighter than concrete. However, they 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 quite 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 concrete pick, the Campania International Hummingbird Concrete Pedestal Bird Bath, which comes in nine natural hues.
As for design, many bird baths feature the classic, pedestal shape, but there are some contemporary designs as well, particularly in cast stone or concrete bird baths.
FAQ
-
Diana Ludwiczak, certified wildlife rehabber and animal trainer, as well as the founder of Birdy Birdy Birdy, a website dedicated to 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.
-
According to Parnell, bird baths should be placed 25 feet away from windows. This gives birds 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.
-
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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
I’m Dena Ogden, an associate editor who’s been testing products, writing, and editing for The Spruce since 2022. I also was the tester for the bird bath we selected as best hanging, the Mumtop Hanging Bird Bath, which looks great in the trees in my Pacific Northwest backyard.
Along with my own experience, I looked closely at the insights and experiences of my fellow testers, and conducted thorough research on the selections, including their sizes, styles, materials, and any additional details that users should consider.
Additional reporting and interviews were done by Julia Fields, a senior writer, speciailizing in patio furniture, gardening, and outdoor decor.