Our top pick, the Alpine Corporation Ceramic Pedestal Bird Bath, is attractive, affordable, and has a wide, shallow bowl that accommodates multiple birds at a time. Here are the best bird baths. This ceramic pedestal bird bath from Alpine Corporation is our top pick because of its attractive and functional design. It’s 24 inches tall with a 16-inch upper bowl and comes with a purposefully distressed crackle glaze that creates an antique appearance. The base of the unit has a flying bird decoration on the side, and two little ceramic birds adorn the rim of the bath, as well. This bird bath comes in two pieces, both of which are made from durable ceramic. The bowl is designed to rest on top of the pedestal base, and the whole unit weighs around 20 pounds, making it sturdy enough to stand up to a few birds playing around. The bath itself is just 3 inches deep, which is shallow enough to accommodate birds of all sizes, and its eye-catching appearance is sure to look great in your garden. Although this bird bath is only available in two colors, its durable design and attractive pattern make it our top pick for bird baths. Price at time of publish: $150 This bird bath features a tempered glass bowl that features a pretty flower design. The edges of the bowl have a blue tint that fades to white, with a bright green center completing the flower. It can easily be hung from a tree branch or garden stake, and you can’t beat the affordable price for an attractive and functional piece of outdoor decor. Price at time of publish: $20 This bird bath is 24 inches tall and just over 19 inches in diameter, and the bowl has a unique geometric appearance that makes it look like a sculpture. Although this bird bath is more expensive than others, it’s still our choice for best design because the base weighs a substantial 71 pounds and the top is 33 pounds, so it can easily withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. Price at time of publish: $405 This fountain is powered by a thermal-sensitive pump that automatically shuts off if the water level is too low, helping to prevent damage to the motor. It comes with an 8-foot waterproof power cord, and the whole unit has a two-tone, dark teal finish that’s both attractive and durable. Price at time of publish: $245 This bird bath is 28 inches tall with a 20 inch bowl, and it comes in a variety of faux metallic finishes. The pedestal has an ornate base with a swirling design, and the bowl has a line of small holes around the edges to make it easier for birds to perch. The included fountain pump has solar panels around the edges, so it will bubble gently in the center on sunny days. Be sure that you fill the base of the pedestal with sand or rocks because the overall frame is lightweight and could be knocked over by a squirrel or larger bird. Price at time of publish: $60 for blue This bird bath is 21 inches tall with a 15-inch octagon-shaped bowl, and the pedestal has a faceted design that flares out at the bottom for stability. Plus, it weighs around 40 pounds, so it won’t accidentally get tipped over in the wind. Just be aware that this bird bath may be difficult to move around because of its sturdy design. Price at time of publish: $132 This hanging bird bath is just 8 inches in diameter, and it comes with three 15-inch chains and a hook for easy installation. The bowl is lightweight and shallow, and it comes in several bright, colorful options that will help catch the eye of your local hummingbirds—in particular, these birds are drawn to the color red! Price at time of publish: $22 What’s great about this bird bath is that it doesn’t require any tools for installation—you just tighten the clamp to fit your deck railing. It’s a great temporary option for renters or bird lovers looking for an easy bird bath. Although this bird bath is easy to install and affordable, keep in mind that its bowl is small, so you may not be able to support multiple birds at once. Price at time of publish: $25 This hanging bird bath comes with a black metal support ring that’s hung by three 17-inch chains, and you can easily install it on a garden stake or on a tree branch in your yard. You’ll have to purchase a garden stake or hook separately. The whole bath only weighs a few pounds, as well, so it’s easy to move around as needed. Price at time of publish: $56
Size
When selecting a bird bath, you’ll want to consider both the height and width of the unit. Smaller birds are typically more comfortable at taller baths, as the height gives them a better field of view, but larger birds such as doves, quail, and ducks prefer to drink from ground baths. Additionally, bird baths with wider bowls are able to accommodate more birds and larger species, but small birds like hummingbirds need appropriately sized bird baths if you want them to linger in your yard.
Fountain
Some bird baths have built-in fountains, and there are several benefits to having moving water in your bath. When there’s a fountain, you’re less likely to see algae growth or insects in the water, and it can also help attract more birds. However, fountain pumps need regular maintenance, and they’ll need a power source, whether it’s a nearby electrical outlet or built-in solar panel. “Birds are more attracted to water that is moving and can be drawn to the bath by the sound of the fountain. They also like to bathe in running water,” says John Rowden, senior director of the National Audubon Society’s Bird-Friendly Communities program. “You can also get pumps that create ripples and waterfalls that will attract birds.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer for The Spruce. She’s tried out many types of bird products in her yard, and she’s partial to concrete bird baths, which she can leave outside year-round, even in the cold New England winters. “You should clean and disinfect your bird bath at least once a week, but as often as possible is best, especially during migration,” says Lauren Ross, Lifesaving and Care Specialist/Wildlife Rehabilitator at Best Friends Animal Society. “Diseases like salmonella, trich, and conjunctivitis can all be spread species to species, so disinfecting your bird bath as often as possible can help reduce the risk of spreading these diseases between flocks.” To clean a bird bath, dump out the old water and remove any large debris. Use a mixture of 1 part chlorine bleach to 9 parts water to scrub the basin, lip, and any areas where birds land, perch, drink, or bathe. Be sure to rinse off the bird bath thoroughly and let it dry before refilling it with clean water. If you need to winterize a bird bath, start by cleaning it thoroughly with a weak bleach solution to prevent algae growth, and move it to a location that will get direct sunlight throughout the winter months. Line the bottom of the basin with a thick plastic sheet, weighing it down with rocks as needed, then use twine or zip ties to secure the covering around the pedestal and base of the bird bath. This will help protect it from the harsh weather. You can also place an immersible heater into your bird bath to prevent ice from forming. “Smaller birds like songbirds like shallow baths, so try to keep the bath no more than two inches deep in the center. You should add pebbles or rocks that break the surface of the water –that’ll help the birds gauge how deep the water is and give them something to perch on in the basin,” says Rowden. “Installing a mister may attract hummingbirds, who will fly through the vapor or bathe on nearby dripping leaves.” For additional background on bird baths, we spoke to John Rowden, senior director of the National Audubon Society’s Bird-Friendly Communities program, and Lauren Ross, Lifesaving and Care Specialist/Wildlife Rehabilitator at Best Friends Animal Society.
