| By Gary S. Locatelli So, you’ve just unboxed your brand-new Birdfy Smart Feeder—a perfect way to enjoy backyard birdwatching with real-time video, AI bird identification, and endless avian entertainment. But there’s one furry challenge you might not be ready for: squirrels. They may look cute scampering around, but when it comes to bird feeders, squirrels are notorious for being destructive, greedy, and relentless. How to keep squirrels away from bird feeders? Fortunately, Birdfy offers a smart solution: the Birdfy Feeder Pole—a sturdy, squirrel-resistant mounting system that’s designed to help keep your feeder safe and secure. Here’s how to set up your Birdfy feeder using the Birdfy Feeder Pole and keep squirrels from turning your birdwatching haven into a battleground. Why Squirrels Are a Problem for Bird Feeders Squirrels are acrobatic, intelligent, and incredibly motivated when food is involved. Once they find your bird feeder, they can: Chew through plastic, wood, or even wiring Empty an entire feeder in hours Scare off birds Damage mounting structures They might be fun to watch, but squirrels can seriously interfere with your birdwatching experience—not to mention your Birdfy setup. How to Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders [Step-by-Step] Now, we’ll walk you through five effective ways to keep squirrels away—whether it’s by setting up the Birdfy Feeder Pole or choosing squirrel-deterring foods. These safe methods will help prevent squirrels from eating bird seed. Don’t forget to save this guide for later! 1. Use the Birdfy Feeder Pole for Maximum Protection The Birdfy Feeder Pole is your best defense against squirrels. Designed for stability, versatility, and squirrel-resistance, this pole is made specifically to complement your Birdfy feeder while keeping critters out. Key features: Smooth metal surface that’s difficult for squirrels to climb Sturdy 18” in-ground base for secure ground placement a self-designed geometric baffle that deters squirrels Multiple hooks for feeder customization Perfect height to prevent jumping access from the ground Set up the Birdfy Feeder Pole in an open area, away from tree branches, fences, or rooftops that squirrels could use as launch points. ⭐Take a look at what other Birdfy users are saying about the Feeder Pole 2. Squirrel Baffle Install the squirrel baffle about 4–5 feet off the ground. The baffle makes it nearly impossible for squirrels to climb up the pole and reach your feeder. Place the squirrel baffle below the Birdfy feeder on the pole for best results. 3. Choose a Smart Location The placement of your feeder matters just as much as the hardware, especially if you want better results in keeping squirrels away. Set it up: At least 10 feet away from any trees, fences, or overhangs In a clear, open space where squirrels can’t jump across On level ground to ensure the feeder pole stays upright and stable The Birdfy Feeder Pole is portable, so you can move it around to test different spots and get the best bird activity. 4. Bird Seed to Keep Squirrels Away Some types of bird seed naturally deter squirrels while still attracting birds. Try these options: Safflower seeds Nyjer (thistle) seeds Hot pepper-coated seed (harmless to birds but spicy to squirrels) Avoid mixes with sunflower seeds, peanuts, or corn—squirrel favorites! 5. Keep the Area Clean Squirrels are drawn not just to your feeder, but to any fallen seeds on the ground. Clean up regularly, or place a seed-catching tray below the feeder. Birdfy’s built-in camera and app help you monitor usage and know exactly when to refill and clean—keeping your space tidy and less tempting to squirrels. Bonus: Use the Birdfy App to Catch Squirrel Shenanigans If a squirrel does manage to sneak in, you’ll be the first to know. Birdfy’s smart camera and AI detection alert you the moment motion is detected. You can: Capture footage of squirrel activity Monitor birds in real-time Track visits and feeding habits This lets you fine-tune your setup over time for the best birdwatching experience—and makes it fun to catch those unexpected visitors on camera. Final Thoughts: A Better Birdwatching Experience with Birdfy Your Birdfy Smart Feeder is an amazing tool for connecting with nature, and when paired with the Birdfy Feeder Pole, you get a setup that’s stable, secure, and squirrel-resistant. With the right placement, a baffle, and a few squirrel-proofing tips, you can enjoy hours of peaceful birdwatching without the chaos of uninvited guests. Watch the birds. Outsmart the squirrels. That’s the Birdfy way.

In the vibrant tapestry of the avian world, where iridescent hummingbirds flash and tropical parrots blaze with color, there exists a timeless elegance in monochrome. Black and white birds possess a striking, graphic quality that commands attention. This high-contrast plumage is far from simple; it serves critical functions from camouflage and predation to social signaling. From the remote Antarctic to our own backyards, these birds exemplify adaptation and beauty. Let's explore twenty of the most fascinating black and white birds from across the globe. 20 Birds in Black and White Here’s Birdfy’s roundup of 20 stunning black and white birds you’ll want to get to know. Some are dressed in classic two-tone plumage, while others surprise you with red chests or speckled wings. With clear photos and simple notes on each bird, you’ll be able to spot their traits more easily and sharpen your birdwatching skills along the way. Magpie Instantly recognizable, the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) is a corvid renowned for its intelligence. Its plumage appears black from a distance, but a closer look reveals iridescent shades of blue and green on its wings and tail, contrasting sharply with its white belly and shoulder patches. Appearance: Black and white plumage with iridescent blue-green on wings and a long tail. Habitat: Found in open countryside, farmlands, parks, and gardens. Range: Common across Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. Size: About 44–46 cm (17–18 in) long, nearly half of it tail. Wingspan: Ranges from 52–62 cm (20–24 in). Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—eats insects, small animals, seeds, fruits, and carrion. Life Span: Usually 3–5 years in the wild, sometimes longer. Fun Facts: Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors and feature in many folk tales. African Penguin Also known as the Jackass Penguin for its donkey-like bray, this species (Spheniscus demersu) is found on the southern coast of Africa. Its black back and white front provide countershading camouflage in the water, hiding it from predators above and below. Appearance: Black back and white belly with a distinct black chest band and pink patches above the eyes. Habitat: Coastal islands and rocky shores of southern Africa. Range: Found along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. Size: About 60–70 cm (24–28 in) tall. Wingspan: Flipper length is around 50–60 cm (20–24 in), adapted for swimming. Feeding Habits: Diet mainly consists of fish such as sardines and anchovies, along with squid. Life Span: Typically 10–15 years in the wild, longer in captivity. Fun Facts: Known as the "jackass penguin" because of its loud braying call, similar to a donkey. Downy Woodpecker The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America (Dryobates pubescens). It is a common visitor to feeders. It boasts a classic woodpecker pattern: a black back with white stripes, a white belly, and a distinctive white patch on its back. Males sport a small red patch on the head. Appearance: Small and delicate, with black-and-white checkered wings, a white belly, and a short bill. Males often show a tiny red patch on the back of the head. Habitat: Prefers woodlands, orchards, and backyard feeders, often clinging to tree trunks and branches. Range: Widespread across North America, from Alaska to Florida. Size: About 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in) in length. Wingspan: Reaches 25–30 cm (10–12 in). Feeding Habits: Feeds on insects hidden in bark, as well as berries and seeds, and readily visits suet feeders. Life Span: Typically 2–4 years in the wild, with some reaching up to 10 years. Fun Facts: Despite being the smallest woodpecker in North America, its drumming is surprisingly loud for its size. Black-and-White Warbler This North American songbird (Mniotilta varia) behaves more like a nuthatch than a typical warbler. It creeps along tree trunks and branches, using its slightly decurved bill to probe for insects. Its striped plumage resembles tree bark, making it expertly camouflaged. Appearance: Striking black-and-white streaked pattern across its body, with a thin, slightly curved bill perfect for gleaning insects from tree bark. Habitat: Found in deciduous and mixed forests, often creeping along trunks and branches like a tiny nuthatch. Range: Breeds in North America and migrates to Central America and the Caribbean for winter. Size: About 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) long. Wingspan: Around 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 in). Feeding Habits: Insects and spiders, foraged from bark and leaves; rarely eats seeds. Life Span: Typically 2–4 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Its black-and-white stripes allow it to blend perfectly with tree bark, making it a stealthy insect hunter. Australian Magpie Unrelated to the Eurasian Magpie, the Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a larger, stout-bodied songbird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Adults are mostly black with a variable amount of white on the nape, back, and tail coverts, and possess a powerful, melodious warble. Appearance: Bold black-and-white plumage with a glossy finish, long legs, and a strong, slightly curved beak. Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands, and suburban areas; often seen perched on fences or lawns. Range: Widespread across Australia and southern New Guinea. Size: About 37–43 cm (14.5–17 in) long. Wingspan: Roughly 65–85 cm (25–33 in). Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—feeds on insects, small reptiles, seeds, and occasionally carrion. Life Span: Often 25 years or more in the wild. Fun Facts: Known for their complex songs and territorial swooping during breeding season. Razorbill A striking seabird of the North Atlantic (Alca torda), the Razorbill sports a deep black back and head with a crisp white underside. Its thick, blunt beak, crossed by a white line, is its namesake and is perfectly adapted for catching fish. Appearance: Sleek black upperparts with crisp white underparts, thick black bill with a white line across it, giving a “razor-like” appearance. Habitat: Coastal cliffs and islands, especially during breeding season. Range: North Atlantic coasts, from eastern Canada to northern Europe. Size: About 38–43 cm (15–17 in) long. Wingspan: Around 63–69 cm (25–27 in). Feeding Habits: Primarily small fish like sand eels and sprats, caught by diving underwater. Life Span: Up to 25 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Razorbills are excellent divers, using their wings to “fly” underwater after fish. Skimmer Unique among birds, the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) has an extraordinary feeding technique. It flies low over water with its elongated lower mandible slicing the surface, snapping its upper bill shut when it contacts a fish. Its black back and white body are a common sight on coasts in the Americas. Appearance: Striking black upperparts with white underparts, long wings, and a unique bill where the lower mandible is longer than the upper. Habitat: Sandy beaches, riverbanks, and coastal lagoons. Range: Found in Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia depending on species. Size: About 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long. Wingspan: Around 110–120 cm (43–47 in). Feeding Habits: Skims the water surface with its lower bill to catch small fish and crustaceans. Life Span: Typically 10–15 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Its specialized bill makes it one of the few birds that “fish while flying” in a gliding motion just above water. Oystercatcher With their loud piping calls, long, bright orange-red bills, and pink legs, these shorebirds are unmistakable. The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) has a black head and brown back with a white belly, while other species like the Eurasian Oystercatcher can be completely black. Appearance: Bold black-and-white plumage with a long, bright orange-red bill and pinkish legs. Habitat: Coastal beaches, mudflats, and estuaries. Range: Found across Europe, parts of Asia, and northern Africa. Size: About 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long. Wingspan: Roughly 80–86 cm (31–34 in). Feeding Habits: Feeds on shellfish, mollusks, and marine invertebrates, using its strong bill to pry them open. Life Span: Typically 10–15 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Oystercatchers can break open oysters and clams with surprising precision, earning their name. Pied Avocet An elegant wader (Recurvirostra avosetta) found in Europe and Asia, the Avocet is pure white with bold black markings on its wings and back. Its most distinctive feature is its long, slender, upcurved bill, which it sweeps side to side in shallow water to catch small invertebrates. Appearance: Elegant black-and-white plumage with a long, thin, upturned bill and bluish-grey legs. Habitat: Shallow wetlands, salt pans, and coastal lagoons. Range: Western Europe, Central Asia, and parts of Africa. Size: About 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long. Wingspan: Around 80–90 cm (31–35 in). Feeding Habits: Sweeps its curved bill through shallow water to catch insects, crustaceans, and small aquatic animals. Life Span: Typically 10–12 years in the wild. Fun Facts: The Pied Avocet’s graceful foraging motion makes it look like it’s “dancing” on the water. Pied Crow Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, this adaptable corvid (Corvus albus) is identified by its broad white band across its breast, contrasting with its otherwise black plumage. It thrives in both urban and rural environments. Appearance: Mostly glossy black with a striking white chest and neck band, giving it a bold contrast. Habitat: Open savannas, farmlands, and urban areas across Africa. Range: Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. Size: About 46–50 cm (18–20 in) long. Wingspan: Approximately 85–100 cm (33–39 in). Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—feeds on insects, small animals, fruits, and human leftovers. Life Span: Typically 15–20 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Pied Crows are highly intelligent and can mimic sounds, sometimes even human speech. Common Loon The iconic bird of northern lakes, the Common Loon (Gavia immer) is famous for its eerie, haunting calls. In breeding plumage, it has a checkered black-and-white back, a black head with a iridescent sheen, and a stark white collar and underparts. Appearance: Black head and neck with white checkered back; striking red eyes make it easy to spot. Habitat: Freshwater lakes and large ponds during breeding season; coastal waters in winter. Range: North America, mainly Canada and northern United States. Size: About 66–91 cm (26–36 in) long. Wingspan: 127–147 cm (50–58 in). Feeding Habits: Excellent divers, feeding on fish and aquatic invertebrates. Life Span: Often 10–20 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Loons are known for their eerie, haunting calls that echo across northern lakes. Killdeer Although often considered a brown bird, the Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) earns its place on this list for its bold double black breast bands set against a white belly and neck. This plover is known for its dramatic "broken-wing" act to lure predators from its nest. Appearance: Brown back, white belly, and two distinctive black breast bands; bright orange rump flashes in flight. Habitat: Open fields, grasslands, and shorelines, often near water. Range: Widespread across North and Central America. Size: About 22–28 cm (8.5–11 in) long. Wingspan: Approximately 46–55 cm (18–22 in). Feeding Habits: Feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates, often running on the ground to catch prey. Life Span: Typically 5–10 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Famous for the “broken-wing” act used to lure predators away from its nest. White Wagtail A slender, graceful bird (Motacilla alba) common across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It has a grey back, a white face, and a black cap and bib. It is constantly in motion, pumping its long tail up and down as it forages for insects. Appearance: Sleek black, white, and gray plumage with a long tail that constantly wags up and down. Habitat: Open fields, riverbanks, and urban areas. Range: Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Size: About 16–19 cm (6–7.5 in) long. Wingspan: Approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 in). Feeding Habits: Insects and small invertebrates, often caught on the ground. Life Span: Usually 3–5 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Known for its cheerful, bobbing tail and agile flight patterns. Pied Kingfisher This black-and-white kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) found in Asia and Africa is often seen hovering dramatically over water before diving headfirst to catch fish. The male has a double black band across its breast, while the female has a single, often broken, band. Appearance: Striking black-and-white plumage with a distinctive crest and sharp, pointed bill. Habitat: Freshwater lakes, rivers, and estuaries. Range: Sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Size: About 25–30 cm (10–12 in) long. Wingspan: Around 40–45 cm (16–18 in). Feeding Habits: Hunts fish by hovering and diving into water. Life Span: Typically 6–10 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Often hovers in mid-air like a tiny helicopter before plunging for fish. Hawaiian Goose (Nēnē) The state bird of Hawaii, the Nēnē (Branta sandvicensis) is a striking goose with a black face, cap, and rear neck, set against soft buff-white cheeks. Its body is patterned with grey, black, and white bars. It is one of the world's rarest geese. Appearance: Gray-brown body with darker head and face, black legs, and white facial markings. Habitat: Volcanic slopes, grasslands, and coastal areas of Hawaii. Range: Endemic to Hawaii. Size: About 41–45 cm (16–18 in) long. Wingspan: Approximately 90–112 cm (35–44 in). Feeding Habits: Grazes on grasses, berries, and seeds. Life Span: Can live 10–20 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Nēnē is Hawaii’s state bird and adapted to walking on lava fields with its strong, padded feet. Loggerhead Shrike A small predatory songbird of North America (Lanius ludovicianus), the "butcherbird" has a grey back, white underparts, and black wings with a single white patch. Most notably, it has a black mask across its eyes, giving it a bandit-like appearance. Appearance: Gray upperparts, white underparts, black mask across eyes, and hooked bill. Habitat: Open fields, savannas, and scrublands. Range: North America, from southern Canada to the United States and Mexico. Size: About 22–26 cm (8.5–10 in) long. Wingspan: Around 30–34 cm (12–13 in). Feeding Habits: Hunts insects, small birds, and rodents; sometimes impales prey on thorns. Life Span: Typically 5–7 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Known as the “butcher bird” because it stores food by skewering it on thorns or barbed wire. Zebra Finch A quintessential Australian finch (Taeniopygia guttata), the male is a busy pattern of black and white. He has a black-and-white barred tail, a black tear-drop mark below the eye, a chestnut cheek patch, and a fine black-and-white "zebra" pattern on its throat and breast. Appearance: Gray body, white belly, black-and-white striped tail, and bright orange beak; males have red cheek patches. Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands, and human-influenced areas in Australia. Range: Native to Australia and introduced to parts of Indonesia. Size: About 10–12 cm (4–4.7 in) long. Wingspan: Approximately 15–20 cm (6–8 in). Feeding Habits: Seeds, grains, and small insects. Life Span: Usually 5–9 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Popular as pets due to their cheerful chirping and social behavior. Great Frigatebird A magnificent seabird of tropical oceans, the male Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) is entirely black with an iridescent green sheen. During the breeding season, he inflates a huge, bright red throat pouch to attract mates. Females, however, are black but have a white breast and throat. Appearance: Black plumage with a long, forked tail; males have striking red throat pouch. Habitat: Tropical oceans, islands, and coastal areas. Range: Widely distributed across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Size: About 89–114 cm (35–45 in) long. Wingspan: Impressive 205–230 cm (81–91 in). Feeding Habits: Snatches fish from the ocean surface or steals from other seabirds. Life Span: Often 15–20 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Can soar for hours without flapping and is famous for kleptoparasitic feeding. Hammerkop A unique wading bird of sub-Saharan Africa (Scopus umbretta), the Hammerkop is uniformly brown from a distance but reveals a subtly barred black-and-white back and tail in good light. It is named for its unique hammer-shaped head and builds enormous, conspicuous stick nests. Appearance: Medium-sized brown bird with a unique hammer-shaped head and crest. Habitat: Wetlands, rivers, and lakes across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Range: Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Arabia. Size: About 50–56 cm (20–22 in) long. Wingspan: Around 95–105 cm (37–41 in). Feeding Habits: Feeds on fish, amphibians, and insects. Life Span: Typically 10–15 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Builds enormous, elaborate nests that can last for decades. Pied Butcherbird Another Australian songbird renowned for its beautiful, complex vocalizations (Cracticus nigrogularis). It is mostly white with a solid black head, black and white wings, and a black tail. Like its relative the shrike, it impales prey on thorns or branches. Appearance: Striking black-and-white plumage with a black head, white collar, and sharp, hooked bill. Habitat: Woodlands, open forests, and farmlands in Australia. Range: Eastern and northern Australia. Size: About 33–38 cm (13–15 in) long. Wingspan: Approximately 56–63 cm (22–25 in). Feeding Habits: Hunts insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally takes eggs or nestlings. Life Span: Usually 12–15 years in the wild. Fun Facts: Known for beautiful, flute-like songs, often heard at dawn and dusk. Bring Black and White Birds Closer to Your Backyard Among the 20 black-and-white birds mentioned above, some of the smaller ones might even appear in your backyard. If you’d like to attract these feathered friends, the right setup is essential. A quality bird feeder, bird bath, or even a cozy birdhouse can transform your yard into a welcoming haven for birds. The Birdfy Feeder 1, as the first-generation smart bird feeder, is beloved by bird enthusiasts worldwide and praised by major media outlets. Its AI-powered camera captures every feather detail and can accurately recognize over 6,000 bird species. You’ll receive instant notifications on your phone whenever a bird visits, so you never miss a delightful moment. With its waterproof, windproof, and moisture-resistant design, it’s ready to stand by all year round. Birdfy Feeder - AI-Powered Smart Bird Feeder with Camera Loved by over 600k users, the most iconic smart bird feeder ever. Shop Now Pair it with a Birdfy bird bath or a birdhouse to create the perfect sanctuary, making your feathered visitors want to return again and again. Conclusion The prevalence of black and white coloration is a masterclass in evolution. For penguins and auks, it's countershading for oceanic survival. For woodpeckers and the Black-and-White Warbler, it's cryptic camouflage against tree bark. For birds like the magpie and Australian Magpie, the bold pattern may play a role in social recognition and mate selection. This monochromatic scheme cuts a sharp figure against any background, ensuring these birds are not only survivors but also some of the most memorable and elegant creatures in the natural world.

If you’ve ever wondered how birds find water and drink water, you’re in the right place. Many backyard bird lovers struggle to understand what truly attracts birds to a water source and how to make their yard a reliable stop for thirsty visitors. Birds aren’t just looking for any puddle — they need clean, moving, and safe water to stay hydrated and healthy. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how birds find water, how birds drink water, plus practical tips to help you create the perfect setup in your backyard so more feathered friends will come to drink, bathe, and return again and again. How Do Birds Find Water? Birds are exceptional explorers, and their ability to locate water relies on several key strategies: Keen Eyesight: A bird's primary tool is its excellent vision. They are constantly scanning their environment from the air and from perches for the familiar glint of sunlight reflecting off a surface of water. A pond, stream, puddle, or even a dew-covered leaf can catch their eye from a surprising distance. Spatial Memory: Birds are intelligent creatures with remarkable spatial memory. They create detailed mental maps of their territory, memorizing the locations of reliable resources—including food, shelter, and water. Once a bird finds a birdbath or a dripping downspout in your yard, it will remember its location and return to it regularly. Listening for Water: The sound of water is a powerful attractant. The gurgle of a stream, the drip from a fountain, or the splash of a waterfall acts as an auditory beacon, guiding birds to the source. This is why moving water features are incredibly effective at attracting a wide variety of birds. Following the Flock: Birds often learn from each other through a behavior called local enhancement. If one bird sees others congregating, bathing, and drinking in a specific area, it will investigate. The activity of a few birds can quickly signal to others that a safe and valuable water source has been found. So, birds find water through a mix of sharp vision, strong memory, keen hearing, and social cues—instincts and behaviors that work together to guide them to find water. Likewise, you can learn how they find your bird feeders. How Do Birds Drink Water? Unlike humans, most birds cannot sip or swallow using suction. Bird drinking methods are specialized and vary by species: The Most Common Method: Scooping and Tilting This is the technique used by the most common backyard birds like sparrows, cardinals, and finches. They dip their beak into the water, scoop up a small amount, and then tilt their head straight back. Gravity pulls the water down their throat into their digestive system. The Hummingbird's Drinking Technique: Capillary Action Hummingbirds have long, grooved tongues. They don't scoop water but instead lick it up at an incredible speed—up to 15-20 times per second. Their forked tongues extend into the nectar or water, and the liquid is drawn up via capillary action (the same principle that draws water up a paper towel) before they retract it into their beak. The Skimmer's Method: Skimming Unique birds like Black Skimmers fly low over the water with their lower mandible dipped into the surface, literally skimming a drink while in flight. Absorbing Water from Food Many birds get a significant portion of their required water directly from their food. Insect-eating birds hydrate from the juicy bodies of their prey, and fruit-eating birds get moisture from berries and other fleshy fruits. This reduces their need to visit open water sources frequently. How You Can Help Birds Find Water in Your Backyard Providing a water source is one of the best ways to attract a diverse array of birds to your yard, often even more effectively than food alone. Here’s how you can help: 1. Provide a Birdbath A birdbath is the simplest and most effective way to provide water. To make your birdbath most attractive to birds: Location is Key: Place it in a somewhat open area but near trees or shrubs (within 5-10 feet) to give birds an escape route from predators. The Right Depth: Birds prefer shallow water. A depth of 1-2 inches at the center, with a gently sloping bottom, is ideal. You can add flat stones to a deep bath to create shallow areas. Birdbath Material Matters: A rough or textured bottom provides sure footing for birds. The right Time: What time of day do birds use bird baths? Birds are most active at dawn and dusk, and this is when you'll typically see the most traffic at your birdbath. They need to drink after a long night without water and to hydrate before the night ahead. However, you will see birds drinking and bathing throughout the day, especially during hot weather or in the dry afternoon hours. Birdfy Bath Pro - Solar-Powered Smart Birdbath with Fountain Dual-Lens Camera, capture every vivid moment; Built-in solar panel keeps the fountain flowing to provide clean, moving water that draws more feathered friends. Transforms your backyard into a true paradise for birds. Click to know more features about Birdfy Bath Pro. Shop Now 2. Provide Bird Water Feeders Some bird feeders are specifically designed to provide water for birds: Nectar Feeders: For hummingbirds and orioles, these provide a sugar-water solution, which is a source of both energy and hydration. Water Domes: These are specialized birdbaths, often mounted on a post, that come with a protective dome to keep the water cleaner and offer shade. With the right bird water feeder, you’ll not only make your yard more inviting, but also reduce the effort it takes to keep birds coming back. You can also diy a water bottle bird feeder by following the steps in this video: How To Make A Bird Water Feeder 3. Add Movement and Sound As mentioned, the sound of moving water is an irresistible lure to birds. Drippers or Misters: A device that slowly drips or mists water into a birdbath will attract birds from afar with its sound and sight. Many birds love to fly through a fine mist to bathe. Water Wigglers or Water Fountains: A small, battery-operated or solar-powered fountain or "wiggler" not only creates sound and movement to attract birds but also prevents mosquitoes from breeding by keeping the water moving. 4. Maintain a Clean Water Source This is non-negotiable. Stagnant, dirty water can breed bacteria and diseases like avian pox. You must: Change the water every day or two. Scrub the bath with a stiff brush weekly to remove algae and droppings. Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning residue. FAQ Can birds drink salt water? Most land birds cannot. Their kidneys are not efficient enough to filter out the high salt content, which would lead to dehydration and death. However, seabirds like albatrosses, gulls, and petrels have special salt glands located near their eyes that actively excrete a concentrated salt solution, which then drips out of their nostrils, allowing them to drink seawater. Do birds like cold or warm water to drink? Birds generally prefer water that is at air temperature. In winter, they will drink very cold water. The bigger issue is ice. Providing liquid water in winter is a massive help. In summer, cool water is more appealing and refreshing than water that has been heated by the sun all day. Placing a birdbath in a shaded area can help keep the water temperature moderate. How often do birds drink water? This varies greatly by species, diet, and weather. A small songbird with a high metabolism may need to drink several times a day, especially when eating dry seeds. A bird that consumes juicy insects or fruit may only drink once a day. In hot weather, all birds will drink more frequently. Will birds drink water from a bowl? Absolutely. A simple shallow bowl or plant saucer placed on the ground or on a pedestal can function as a perfect birdbath. Just ensure it's shallow enough and has a rough surface for grip. Many ground-feeding birds, like doves and robins, will readily use a ground-level water source. How do birds find water in winter? This becomes a much greater challenge when streams and puddles are frozen. Birds rely even more heavily on their spatial memory to return to unfrozen sources they used in the summer. They also melt snow and ice with their bodies by eating it, which consumes precious energy. This is why providing a heated birdbath or a birdbath with a built-in heater is one of the most beneficial acts you can do for winter birds, as it guarantees them a vital, liquid water source without them having to expend energy to melt snow. Conclusion Water is not only essential for a bird’s survival but also one of the strongest magnets to bring them into your yard. Birds are naturally drawn to clean, moving water with gentle sounds — it makes them feel safe and welcome. To create this effect at home, you can add a small fountain or choose a Birdfy Birdbath, which comes with a built-in solar fountain to keep the water flowing effortlessly. Placement is just as important: set it where birds can easily see and access it. Now that you’ve read this blog and learned how birds find and drink water, it’s time to put it into practice — let fresh water turn your backyard into a favorite stop for feathered visitors!