Water is not only for drinking

Whether it drips, puddles, flows or splashes, the sight or sound of water is irresistible to birds. They depend on water for hydration and temperature control and even flight. Clean feathers are essential for efficient flying. Birds seek water on a daily basis and will only live within easy flying distance of a water source.

A Robin gulps while a Flicker lets water trickle down its throat

Birds fall into two categories of drinkers. The most commonly seen drinking method among land-based birds is gulping. The bird immerses its beak in the water, tilts its head back and lets the water trickle down its throat. On the other hand, pigeons and doves drink water using their beaks like sipping straws.

Some shorebirds wet their food before they eat it, providing another source of water. A few land-based species also wet their food but we’re not sure why. Ever see a grackle break up a peanut over the bird bath and then eat it? Perhaps it is to make swallowing easier. Or maybe it’s to clean the food.

Birds use water to cool themselves on hot summer days, but waterbathing helps with waterproofing. After birds clean their feathers in the bath, they oil, preen and run their feathers through their beaks to realign the feathers to give them structural integrity needed for successful flight. Most backyard birds wade into water 1 to 3 inches deep and splash violently. 

(Click here for a hilarious 3-minute video from Facebook on the antics of songbirds splashing about to bath. You'll love it!)

Because of their weak legs and narrow-pointed wings, swifts and swallows dive into the water just deep enough to create a spray that is scooped over their backs. Kingfishers and flycatchers actually dive into the water and then vibrate their wet feathers to dry off.

Bird baths are best placed near a shaded area with cover nearby. This allows birds a protected “drying off” space to clean and preen in peace.

Are birds only drinking but not bathing in your backyard? Sometimes the birds cannot tell how deep the bath is if the bowl is dark. Try placing a few contrasting pebbles or rocks in the bath so the bird can better see the bottom.