The Best Birdbath for Hummingbirds (It’s More than Just the Size)

Author: Tammy Poppie
Updated:
hummingbird playing and drinking in the water fountain in birdbath.

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The Best Birdbath for Hummingbirds (It’s More than Just the Size)

Author: Tammy Poppie
Updated:
hummingbird playing and drinking in the water fountain in birdbath.

This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.

Wonder what the best bird bath is for hummingbirds? It’s the one they will actually use! Hummingbirds are rather picky when it comes to where they drink water and bathe. This article will explore the different types of birdbaths for hummers, and where to place them to attract lots of hummingbirds!

Nothing is more magical than watching a hummingbird dart through the air, collecting nectar from flowers. If you’re hoping to attract these charming creatures to your yard, one of the best things you can do is to provide a bird bath. 

Hummingbirds are attracted to moving water, and a bird bath provides them with a safe place to bathe and drink. The water can also help keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. The sweet liquid will attract hummingbirds from far and wide, providing you with hours of enjoyment.

Types of Bird Baths for Hummingbirds 

You need to provide hummingbirds with a source of moving water to attract them to your yard. Due to their small size, having moving water can make bathing actually easier for them. These creatures are also attracted to the sound of running water and enjoy taking a dip in shallow bird baths. Deeper water may increase their risk of drowning, so it’s important to keep levels manageable for a small bird.

When choosing the best bird bath for hummingbirds, it is essential to choose one that is shallow and has a bubbling or fountain feature. Shallow bird baths provide hummingbirds with water they can land and splash around in safely. Here are some of the best bird baths for hummingbirds.

A Tiered Pedestal Fountain

hummingbirds using a pedestal style birdbath
Pedestal-style birdbath that hummingbirds love.

A tiered pedestal fountain hummingbird bird bath can be a beautiful and functional addition to any yard or garden. It features a built-in birdbath, providing a place for birds to drink and bathe in running water. The lower tier typically includes a hidden reservoir that continually recycles water from the top tier, ensuring that the birdbath is always full. 

The sound of trickling water adds a relaxing element to any outdoor space, and you can add LED lights to create a stunning nighttime display. A tiered pedestal fountain bird bath is perfect for hummingbirds because it offers the running water they need and gives extra room, preventing squabbles over territory.

Hanging Birdbath

While some birds may prefer a ground-based bird bath, a hanging bird bath is perfect for hummingbirds. You can put it up in a tree, on the porch or balcony, or somewhere else up high. This prevents these little birds from having to expend extra energy getting up from the ground, allowing them the rest they need between bouts of feeding.

You can also place it near a hummingbird feeder for even more convenience! 

A Solar-Powered Water Fountain

hummingbird playing and drinking in the water fountain in birdbath.
Female Anna’s hummingbird playing and drinking in the water fountain in birdbath.

A birdbath can be a great way to attract hummingbirds to your backyard. But what if there was an even better way? A solar-powered water fountain uses the power of the sun to pump water up from a basin below, keeping the water moving. The water flows through a series of tubes and into the fountainhead before recirculating back into the basin. 

The result is a continuous flow of water that will attract any hummingbird within range for an easy bath. A solar-powered water fountain is also environmentally friendly. It uses no man-generated electricity or batteries and recycles the used water. This fountain is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to protect the environment while attracting some of nature’s most beautiful creatures.

Just be sure you’re getting one that moves the water, not heats it. Some solar-powered bird baths simply warm the water, which can be great in winter but may cause little birds to overheat in summer.

Birdbath With a Roof

A bit less common to see, you can get a bird bath with a roof (usually an umbrella, but there are many types). This can provide some shade to your hummingbird friends, who may run the risk of overheating in the hot summer months. 

Do Hummingbirds Like Water Fountains?

Yes. While most people think of hummingbirds as delicate creatures that prefer to avoid water, the truth is that these little birds are quite fond of water fountains. Hummingbirds are attracted to these man-made features for many reasons. First, water fountains provide a reliable source of fresh water. 

Hummingbirds are constantly looking for water to drink and bathe in, and a fountain can provide them with a much-needed drink. Fountains can also be an excellent place for hummingbirds to find food. Many fountains are equipped with little reservoirs that attract insects that can be a valuable source of protein for hummingbirds. Water fountains are also a nice place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What Kind of Water Fountains Do Hummingbirds Like?

If you’re hoping to attract hummingbirds, you’ll want to look for a fountain with multiple streams of water. Hummingbirds are attracted to moving water; the more streams your fountain has, the better. You’ll also want to ensure that the fountain is shallow enough for the birds to drink from. Ideally, it should be less than four inches deep. 

The fountain should also always be clean. A dirty fountain can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria that can harm birds.

What To Look For in a Hummingbird Bird Bath?

Hummingbirds love shallow bird baths with bright colors and plenty of places to perch. Be sure to choose a bath that is easy to clean and keep filled with fresh water, as hummingbirds will often take multiple baths throughout the day. If possible, have a bath that has moving water, which can make it easier for the small bird to bathe.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for the best bird bath for hummingbirds.

Brightness and Attractiveness

Brightly-colored bird baths are not only beautiful to look at, but they can also attract hummingbirds. These tiny birds are drawn to red, orange, and yellow blossoms because they indicate the presence of nectar, which is their primary food source. By placing a few brightly-colored flowers near your bird bath, you can entice passing hummingbirds to stop for a drink.

Depth

A hummingbird birdbath can be a beautiful addition to any backyard and is an excellent way to attract these lovely creatures. However, many people don’t realize that the depth of the birdbath is just as important as the design. Hummingbirds are very small birds that need shallow water to bathe safely. If the water is too deep, they could end up drowning. 

For this reason, choosing a birdbath with a shallow bowl no more than two inches deep is the best thing you can do. You can enjoy watching these feathered friends up close by providing them with a safe place to bathe.

Where Do You Place a Hummingbird Bird Bath, and Why?

You should place a hummingbird birdbath where the bird will feel safe and have easy access to the water. A good location is near shrubs or trees so the hummingbird can perch on a branch and survey its surroundings. 

The birdbath should also be close to nectar-rich flowers, as hummingbirds often visit these plants to drink nectar. By placing the birdbath strategically, you can attract more hummingbirds to your yard and provide them with a convenient place to drink and bathe.

How To Keep Your Hummingbird Bird Bath Clean and Free of Algae?

Keeping the bird bath clean and free of algae is vital to maintaining a healthy environment for hummingbirds. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

  • Empty and refill the bird bath every few days. That will help to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria.
  • Use a mild soap or detergent to clean the bird bath every week. Rinse it well afterward to ensure residual soap does not deter the hummingbirds.
  • Add a teaspoon of bleach to the bird bath occasionally to kill any algae or bacteria that may be present. Again, be sure to rinse the bird bath well after adding bleach.

How To Make Your Bird Bath More Appealing to Hummingbirds

You can make your bird bath more appealing to hummingbirds by putting it in a location with a bit of shade, especially if you live in a hot climate. When temperatures go up, hummingbirds stay out of the sun, and a bird bath could be the perfect place for them to cool off. Adding rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the bird bath will also give the hummingbirds a place to perch while they drink. Then, use a small brush to roughen up the sides of the bird bath to give the hummingbirds something to grip as they drink.

Wrapping Up

Hummingbird baths can be a great way to attract hummingbirds to your backyard. Not all bird baths are created equal; however, it is essential to know what to look for when shopping for one. The bath should be shallow, not more than one to two inches deep, to make it easier for the birds to bathe and drink. It should also be wide enough to allow more than one hummingbird to bathe. If it’s too small, you may only get one at a time as they can be quite territorial and chase one another

The best bird bath for hummingbirds should also be made of a material that doesn’t get too hot in the sun. Metal bird baths can get very hot, which may not go well with your hummingbirds. So, be careful when shopping for your bird bath to ensure it aligns with your goals. 

More than 25 years ago, Tammy put her first bird feeder outside her kitchen window. Since then she learned how to attract wild birds to her backyard. Studying the meaning & symbolism of wild birds is also a passion of hers. Read more about Tammy

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