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Breakdown of the Various Types of Birdbaths

Whether you want one as a centerpiece of your backyard or want to give your birds a place to frolic and congregate, a birdbath is a great addition to any property. Different types of birdbaths appeal to different species, so having more birdbaths in your yard is always more advantageous.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the types of bird feeders and their pros and cons. And if you don’t have one yet or would like to get more, check out Backyard Chirper’s collection of birdbaths.

Ground

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A ground birdbath is one of the simplest birdbaths. It’s essentially just a basin you put on the ground, but you can also have it slightly elevated off the ground. Ground birdbaths tend to attract larger water birds like ducks. It can also appeal to smaller birds as well.

Pond

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A pond birdbath attracts similar species as a ground birdbath. Unlike a ground birdbath, which rests on the floor, a pond birdbath is actually built into the ground. This type most closely mimics natural water, but this one usually requires the most work and installation of all the others. One of Backyard Chirper’s bestselling bird ponds is from Winged Aquatics and can be installed over the weekend. It’s ultimately very rewarding because a nice one could increase the value of your property to prospective buyers and prospective birds.

Pedestal

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When you think of the classic birdbath, you probably envision the pedestal birdbath. These are very traditional and something you’d find in an old garden or in a courtyard. These birdbaths have a basin elevated a few feet of the ground by a thin base. You can actually buy just the pedestal if you already have a basin or would like to elevate a ground birdbath. These attract various species, depending on the size of the bath.

Fountain

A fountain birdbath usually has moving water that comes out of the top and runs through the bottom, making a soothing splashing noise that not only adds a relaxing ambiance to the area but attracts birds from all over. Fountains come in different sizes, shapes and designs. Some actually have several tiers and can stretch several feet high. The best part about these baths is that they can also be seen as decorative pieces that liven up a yard, instead of being something solely designed for birds.

Hanging

A hanging birdbath is usually a smaller basin that you can hang from a porch or awning with wires. The capacity of hanging baths are typically small and shallow, so they attract only smaller songbirds. These can be fairly inexpensive and easy to put up.

Deck

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Deck or deck-mounted birdbaths are simple basins that affix to deck rails or the rails on a porch. Except for the mechanism that attaches the bath to a rail, this bath is essential the same as a hanging birdbath.

Heated

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Heated birdbaths are not a completely separate type since any of the previous designs could also accommodate a heating system. A heated birdbath is generally only used in cold climates. These aren’t meant to make bird jacuzzis, they’re just meant to keep birdbaths from freezing over.

Timothy Martinez Jr. is a writer and freelance journalist. His work has been published in The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, Remapping Debate in New York City and other publications. He’s been a bird lover since he was young and currently lives in New Orleans, L.A.

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