The 7 best bird baths for your home or garden

A bird frolicking in water is a joyful thing to see, especially when it’s happening in your own backyard bird bath. 

Besides providing an oasis in hot weather, a bird bath serves as a hydration station for birds. “Access to clean water is a lifesaver for birds—especially in areas where it is scarce—sparing them from the need to fly long distances in search of it,” says Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder, 20-year veteran bird guide, and founder of Birding By Ear. 

Among the best bird baths we’ve compiled, our top pick is the Alpine Corporation 31-inch Tall Outdoor Antique Flower Birdbath. Its shallow, gently sloping bowl offers easy access for bathing. We also like that the plastic construction makes it easy to move, while reportedly withstanding the elements in all seasons. 

The best bird baths of 2024 

After conducting extensive research, we’ve landed on these top bird baths. 

Best overall: Alpine Corporation 31-inch Tall Outdoor Antique Flower Birdbath 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: This elegant, reasonably priced bird bath has a good height and is shallow enough to encourage birds to access the water safely, while accommodating a small fountain. We also like that it’s made of lightweight plastic, so you can move it around and clean it.  

Assembly is a snap too. Simply attach the basin to the stand, then fill the hollow base with sand, gravel, or water, and secure the bird bath with the included stakes.  

Keep in mind: A perk of a plastic bird bath is its light weight. However, plastic can make this bird bath less stable. You may need to add extra weights (such as flat stones) on top of the base to keep it firmly in place. 

Product details: Type: Free-standing | Height: 31 in. | Bowl diameter: 20 in. | Bowl depth: 3 in. | Bowl capacity: About 1.3 gal. 

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Best bird bath fountain: SZMP Solar Fountain Upgrade  

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Why we like it: With no cords or outlets to worry about, this solar-powered fountain is a convenient add-on for bird baths. It gets good reviews for easy installation, strong water flow, and consistent performance in sunlight. It keeps the water moving to attract birds, while deterring insect larvae.

Equipped with a nozzle that offers eight water-spraying configurations, the fountain can be set to a gentle burble, a mini sprinkler, or somewhere in between—experiment with the settings to see which one birds like most. Plus, it floats rather than needing to be submerged, so it’s functional even in shallow basins. 

Keep in mind: Because it relies on direct sunlight and does not store solar power, this device needs to be in the sun at all times to operate. 

Product details: Type: Fountain | Height: 1.7 in. | Bowl diameter: 6.5 in. | Bowl depth: N/A | Bowl capacity: N/A 

Best concrete bird bath: Lowe’s Traditional Column Pre-Aged Concrete Bird Bath

Buy it now at Lowe’s

Why we like it: Stately and low-priced, the Lowe’s Traditional Column Pre-Aged Concrete Bird Bath has a lot going for it. The heavy construction helps keep it stable, purportedly accommodating birds of all sizes. 

The simple bowl and pedestal design requires some muscle to maneuver, but it’s a no-brainer to set up. Once filled with water (and perhaps a few flat stones to create some shallower areas), this model has lots of potential to attract a variety of bird bathers. 

Keep in mind: If you live in a place that experiences freezing temperatures, you’ll need to cover this bird bath or keep it in storage all winter to prevent the concrete from cracking.  

Product details: Type: Free-standing | Height: 27 in. | Bowl diameter: 24 in. | Bowl depth: 2 in. | Bowl capacity: 1 gal. 

Best bird bath bowl: Hanizi Deck-Mounted Bowl  

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Why we like it: The Hanizi Deck-Mounted Bowl mounts onto deck and balcony railings, making it a good choice for smaller backyards. The plastic bowl is designed to stand up to intense weather and sunlight without cracking, according to the company. 

No tools are needed for installation, which makes setting up this bath a breeze—the adjustable clamp needs just a few strong twists for it to attach to the railing. Once it’s locked into place, the bowl can be detached from the metal frame for cleaning. 

Keep in mind: This bowl is small, so it may only accommodate smaller birds one at a time. Placing some flat rocks in the water can help make it more enticing for small species that prefer shallow water.  

Product details: Type: Mounted | Height: 6 in. | Bowl diameter: 12 in. | Bowl depth: 3 in. | Bowl capacity: About 0.75 gal. 

Best heated bird bath: API (Allied Precision Industries) Heated Bird Bath  

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Why we like it: Winter can be a challenging time for birds looking for water. This plastic heated bird bath offers a reliable source of hydration. It comes with a smart thermostat that senses when to turn the heater on and off. 

With hardware for a variety of mounts, this versatile bird bath is designed to fit on a range of railings or sit flat on a table with no mounting or installation required. While it’s especially useful in winter, the basin can be used (unheated) year-round. 

Keep in mind: Because it’s heated, it needs to be placed near an electric outlet. The bird bath comes with a cord, but reviewers note it’s short and may require an extension. 

Product details: Type: Mounted | Height: 2 in. | Bowl diameter: 20 in. | Bowl depth: 2 in. | Bowl capacity: About 2 gal. 

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Best hanging bird bath: Cargen Hanging Bird Bath

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Why we like it: Installing a bird bath higher up offers birds a good vantage point to spot potential threats. The Cargen Hanging Bird Bath is our top choice for hanging on a sturdy tree branch or shepherd’s hook in the yard. At just $10, this model is inexpensive and made of plastic that won’t weigh down tree branches. 

At nearly a foot in diameter, the basin is roomy enough for multiple birds to bathe and drink at the same time. It’s easy to assemble (no tools required), features a stainless-steel chain, and has potential to attract a variety of species for birdwatching. With no attachment hardware or heavy materials, the bowl can be taken down and cleaned with little effort. 

Keep in mind: The Cargen Hanging Bird Bath is simple to hang up, but the hooks that attach to the bowl can be tricky to insert.  

Product details: Type: Hanging | Height: 18.9 in. | Bowl diameter: 11.8 in. | Bowl depth: About 3 in. | Bowl capacity: 0.5 gal. 

Best budget bird bath: Best Choice Products Pedestal Birdbath 

Buy it now at Home Depot

Why we like it: The Best Choice Products Pedestal Birdbath is our top pick for birders on a budget. Made of resin that’s lightweight yet crack-resistant, according to the company, this freestanding model offers great value at a good price. Standing at just over 28 inches, it appeals to species that prefer bathing in ground-level pools while offering a bit of height to keep them safe from predators.  

Birds swooping in for a landing won’t budge on this bath—the small holes around the rim make ideal perches for tiny feet. To make it even more of a bird magnet, add a solar-powered floating fountain to keep the water moving and prevent pests from making themselves at home.

Keep in mind: Because the basin is fairly shallow, the water tends to splash out or evaporate quickly, especially when placed in direct sun. It may need to be refilled throughout the day. 

Product details: Type: Free-standing | Height: 28.2 in. | Bowl diameter: 20 in. | Bowl depth: 2.5 in. | Bowl capacity: 0.8 gal. 

How we chose the best bird baths 

To determine the best bird baths currently on the market, we referred to ratings, reviews, and product photos from verified purchasers, as well as competitor articles, and expert recommendations. We also drew from personal experience as bird bath owners, observing which types of baths appeal to avian visitors. Additionally, we considered the following factors: 

• Third-party reviews: Happy and unhappy customers alike often have valuable feedback to share on their experience with a product. Reading both complaints and positive comments provided perspectives on value, convenience, efficacy, and other features.  
• Materials and durability: Ideally, a bird bath will hold up in all weather and seasons, but this largely depends on its composition. Materials that do not easily break or crack from extreme temperatures are best for this outdoor feature. 
• Weight: Unless you’re planning not to move or clean it, a bird bath should not be overly heavy and cumbersome.  
• Ease of assembly: Simple and straightforward is best when it comes to putting together a new bird bath. 
• Functionality for birds: Perhaps most importantly, birds need to feel safe and interested in visiting a bird bath. Factors such as proper water depth, height, and good grip on the edges are all key to attracting birds.  

Tips for buying bird baths 

There are a few key things to consider when shopping for a bird bath: 

Ease of cleaning 

For hassle-free cleaning, opt for a lightweight bird bath that can easily tip over to drain water or one that has a detachable basin. It’s also helpful when the bath doesn’t have deep grooves or decorative ridges that can be tricky to purge of dirt and algae. “Bird baths need to be kept clean to help prevent disease from spreading among wild birds,” says Geoff LeBaron, the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count Director since 1987. “Bird baths should be cleaned weekly and the water should be replaced every other day.” 

Bird safety 

To help birds get off on the right foot with your bird bath, make sure you choose one that has a decent grip on the edges for safe, non-slip access to the water. A smooth ceramic bird bath or glass bird bath may look beautiful, but they can often be too slick for birds to get a good perch. And while some birds tend to prefer baths that are near the ground, these can pose a danger if cats or other predators are nearby, so it’s best to keep them at least a couple feet off the ground.  

Depth of the basin 

When it comes to water depth, think wading pool rather than deep end. “The depth of the bird bath is key to attracting many species of birds,” says Kondler. “Even those the size of an American Robin prefer shallow water that is a quarter of an inch to one inch deep.” Though deeper water might still entice birds to take a quick drink, most will not venture to bathe. (As a workaround, Kondler suggests adding flat rocks in deeper basins to create a shallower water depth.) 

Frequently asked questions 

What kind of bird baths do birds like best?  

The most appealing bird baths are ones that share similarities with natural pools and puddles that birds enjoy: gently sloping edges, safe areas for perching, and a depth of no more than a couple of inches. “Look for one that has a gradual slope into the basin so the birds can judge the depth of the water,” says Kondler. “I’d steer clear of metal baths that can get too hot or glass baths that can be slippery and fragile.”  

What color bird bath do birds like? 

Birds generally aren’t picky about bird bath color; however, it’s best to avoid basins with dark-colored bottoms that might give the appearance of deep water, as birds prefer shallow puddles to splash in.   

Do birds like bird baths in sun or shade? 

Most birds will visit baths in both sun and shade, but Kondler says smaller birds that tend to stay hidden—such as warblers—are more likely to take a dip or a sip from baths placed in the shade near trees. Note that keeping a bird bath in direct sun most of the day tends to speed up water evaporation and algae growth, so it may be necessary to clean it more frequently.