Why Do Birds Take Baths? Benefits of Bird Baths
Have you ever wondered why birds take baths? While it makes sense that they’d need to clean themselves, their baths are for more than just that.
There are many reasons birds bathe themselves, and doing so can help them be happier and more comfortable. Setting up a bird bath is a great way to ensure birds can easily experience these benefits.
Why Do Birds Take Baths?
The answer to “why do birds take baths?” is complex because there isn’t just one answer. Bathing can be for health, behavior, and hygiene. Even if two birds are at your bird bath at the same time, they could each be there for a different purpose. Pay attention to their behaviors to determine why they’re bathing.
Here are some common reasons birds take baths:
●Maintaining Feather Condition
Bathing keeps a bird’s wings in optimal condition for flying by removing dirt and debris while distributing oil to maintain feather structure (a process known as preening). Healthy wings make birds more agile in the air while also providing insulation and waterproofing. Birds doing this will shake their feathers and nibble at themselves while splashing around.
●Regulating Temperature
During hot weather, birds may retreat to the bird bath to cool off. Splashing some cool water on their bodies can reduce the risk of overheating. They will likely splash, partially submerge themselves in the water, and fluff out their feathers to cool off.
●Cleaning
By splashing water on their feathers, birds can also dislodge and remove parasites, such as lice and mites. This keeps them clean and protected from the illnesses and injuries the tiny pests can cause.
●Hydration
While not necessarily a form of bathing, birds also gather around bird baths to drink water and stay hydrated. If they’re only drinking, they might perch on the edge and dip their beaks in rather than wading in the water.
●Social Bonding
Some birds gather around bird baths in groups. They may interact with each other through calls and body language while dipping in the bird bath. Doing so helps them bond with each other and feel safer while bathing.
●Enjoyment
Some birds take baths simply for fun. You might notice birds singing and hopping around in the bird bath, indicating that they’re enjoying the experience.
When birds splash around in puddles, bodies of water, and bird baths, they’re doing one or more of these actions. Every time they bathe, it helps them in some way, which is why we see them doing it so frequently.
Are Bird Baths Beneficial for Birds?
There are plenty of natural water sources for birds, but it’s still good to offer a bird bath if you can. Giving birds more places to bathe can make it easier for them to clean themselves, cool off, and maintain feather structure. Bird baths are especially helpful if you don’t live near a stream or pond that birds can bathe in.
If you love birds, having a bird bath in your yard is a great way to attract more birds onto your property. Birds often flock to areas where resources are abundant, so homes with water and food will be their favorite spots.
However, bird baths can do more harm than good if not properly maintained. Dirty water sources can cause health problems, so if you set up a bird bath, regularly replace the water for the safety of the birds.
Tips for Maintaining a Bird Bath
Maintaining your bird bath is the key to ensuring it’s beneficial for birds. Consider the following tips when setting up and cleaning your bird bath.
Choose an Ideal Spot
While it makes sense to have a bird bath near a bird feeder, it’s best to keep some distance between the two. If they’re too close, bird seed could fall into the water, making the bird bath get dirty quicker. A shady spot works best because it can reduce evaporation and algae growth. Keep it away from high-traffic areas so the birds can feel comfortable using it.
Replace the Water Throughout the Week
Any time the bird bath water looks cloudy, replace it. This will likely occur every two to three days. Dump out the old water completely before adding more to ensure the water is always fresh and clean for the birds.
Scrub the Bird Bath
When replacing the water, it’s a good idea to scrub the bird bath or spray it with jet water to remove harmful bacteria. If you use any cleaning solutions while doing this, make sure you thoroughly rinse all the soap out to keep it safe for animals to use.
Add Moving Water
Consider adding features like a mini waterfall, fountain, or dripper to the bird bath to keep the water flowing. This makes the water appealing to birds, causing more birds to flock to your bird bath. Moving water can also prevent insects like mosquitoes from laying eggs on the water, keeping it cleaner and safer overall.
Consider a Smart Bird Bath
It’s fun to watch birds use your bird bath, especially when you know why birds take baths. Getting a closer look at their behaviors in the bird bath can help you understand why they’re using it. While some birds might use it to quickly clean off, others might be maintaining their feathers, socializing, or even just playing.
Yet, you have to observe bird behaviors from a distance so you don’t scare them. This can make it tricky to see which birds are at your bird bath if it’s far from your house. If you’ve ever wished you could observe the birds closer, a smart bird bath is a great solution.
TT Nature’s Smart Bird Bath is a bird bath with a camera so you can see the birds in the bath from your phone, allowing you to observe them without scaring them off. It’s made of biodegradable plastic with a large water tray, making it enjoyable for both birds and nature lovers. It even records the birds that stop by, so you don’t have to worry about missing any beautiful species.
