Bathing Is for the Birds

On a sweltering summer day, nothing beats a refreshing splash of water — and birds know it, too. They'll splash and dash their way through puddles, water-filled leaves, birdbaths, and even swimming pools. Birds will turn whatever water they can find into their own personal spa. Unlike us, though, they're not just cooling off; for birds, taking a dip is essential. 

Watching birds groom on my patio is a moving reminder of the importance of supporting their well-being. The birdbath outside my office window brings not only the joy of birding but also a deeper appreciation for their attention to cleanliness. New insights come with every visit.

Dirty Birds? Nope!

Birds often get a bad rap for being dirty, but take a closer look and you'll see how meticulous they really are. In fact, birds are downright obsessive! They groom themselves as if their lives depend on it — and in many ways, they do. 

Studies show that many birds spend between 9% and 15% of their day grooming, with some species devoting as much as a quarter to a third of their waking hours to personal care. To put this in perspective, that's at least double the time we typically spend on grooming, skincare, and checking ourselves in the mirror — combined!

Self-care is a big deal for birds — research shows it's a matter of survival. Ragged, soiled feathers can hinder a bird's ability to fly, maneuver, and evade predators. A buildup of dirt, debris, and pests can lead to infections, sapping their energy and vitality. When birds keep their feathers clean and well-maintained, they not only preserve their health and insulation, but also improve their ability to attract mates and outcompete rivals.

My Patio Fountain 

It's more than just a place to bathe — it’s an oasis for local birds and a welcome stopover for migrating visitors. The flowing water, shallow pool, and surrounding greenery are a place where birds can safely drink, groom, and teach their young ones how to take their first dips.

Every day, a cast of characters — big and small — flock to my patio for a refreshing bath. Sleek Northern Mockingbirds eye the fountain's pool before hopping in with flashing wings spanning the basin's length. Meanwhile, tiny Allen's Hummingbirds hover nearby, waiting for lulls in the action before darting in for a sip and a bath in the shallows. Finches plunge in, as if it's the highlight of their day, while Black Phoebes dive headfirst and spring back into the sky like miniature fighter jets. Each bird, with its unique grooming style, uses the fountain in its own way.

At first glance, what appears to be playful splashing is actually a purposeful bathing routine for birds. Typically, they start by cautiously testing the water, quickly rinsing their heads underwater and dipping their toes or tail feathers in the shallowest part of the basin. Then, they briefly submerge themselves for a full-body wash, most keeping their heads above water. To remove sticky substances like pollen and spider webs, birds rinse their heads under the fountain's stream or scrape their beaks along its edge. After the goo and grime are gone, it's time to fluff and dry.

However, their upkeep doesn't end there. A significant part of this process, called preening, involves  the bird using its beak to discard damaged feathers, remove lingering dirt, and pick off pesky hitchhikers that might still be clinging on. Next, and this step is crucial, birds use the tips of their beaks to apply a waxy oil secreted from the preen gland that is located beneath their tail feathers. You can think of this oil as a natural, all-in-one feather maintenance kit that helps the bird neatly reconnect the tiny interlocking threads (barbules) of each feather's sections (barbs) by zipping them back into place. This step not only keeps feathers in top condition but also offers protection against parasitic infections, researchers have found.

How to Establish a Birdbath

No matter where you live — in the city, suburbia, or the countryside — providing a birdbath is one of the easiest ways to support your local birds. While creating a simple birdbath may seem like a small gesture, its presence serves as an essential resource for both local and migratory birds. You never know which birds might visit or need a safe place to rest. When they do, you'll be glad you offered a helping hand.

Ready to offer a welcoming space? Start by setting out a bowl of water for the birds in your local area, and follow these birdbath tips:

• Transform old household items: A sustainable birdbath or fountain doesn't need to be fancy — old bowls, plant saucers, and watering cans will work perfectly.
• Keep the water shallow: The level should be no deeper than one inch at the edges and a maximum of two inches in the center. This depth helps birds feel safe while bathing. If your container is deeper, simply add smooth stones to create a secure surface and provide a place for birds to perch. 
• Add running water if possible: Birds are attracted to the sight and sound of moving water. A simple fountain, dripper, or bubbler will suffice. 
• Place the birdbath in a shady area: This helps slow down algae growth and prevents insects from laying eggs nearby. If complete shade isn't feasible, try to position the birdbath in a shaded spot during the hottest parts of the day. 
• Select a safe location: Birds feel more comfortable with cover nearby, so it's best to position the bath near shrubs, trees, or greenery. However, be sure that it is far enough away from these plants to prevent predators, such as cats, from ambushing the birds while they bathe. Ideally, the bath should be close enough to offer quick escape routes and provide perching spots where birds can dry off and rest after their bath. Additionally, avoid placing it too close to windows; this provides birds enough space to maneuver safely while allowing you to enjoy watching your feathered visitors.
• Maintain it regularly: Keeping your birdbath clean is crucial for preventing the spread of Mycoplasma conjunctivitis and other contagious diseases, providing birds with fresh and safe water, and repelling mosquitoes. Here's how and Why You Should Keep Your Birdbath Clean from the National Audubon Society

Here's a look at the birds that bathe at our fountain.