Hummingbirds are delightful little birds that add beauty and excitement to any backyard. With their glittering, iridescent feathers and incredible hovering flight, it’s no wonder people love seeing these tiny dynamos visiting their gardens. However, many hummingbird lovers find themselves asking: why won’t hummingbirds come to my bird bath? There are several potential reasons hummingbirds may be avoiding your bird bath and some simple tips to make your bird bath more attractive to these flying jewels.
Do Hummingbirds Use Bird Baths?
Hummingbirds do visit bird baths, but they have some particular preferences when it comes to these man-made water sources. Here are a few things to know about hummingbird behavior around bird baths:
- Hummingbirds like shallow water – They prefer bird baths with water no more than 1-2 inches deep so they can easily sip and bathe without getting soaked.
- They prefer open, clear spaces – Hummingbirds tend to avoid crowded areas near dense foliage or feeders where predators may hide. They like open areas with good visibility.
- They are hesitant to use baths on the ground – Elevated baths around 3 feet off the ground make hummingbirds feel safer from predators.
- They drink tiny sips – Hummingbirds sip just a fraction of their body weight in nectar each day. A hummingbird bath needs just a shallow pool of clean water for their drinking and bathing needs.
Knowing these tendencies can help make your bird bath more attractive to hummingbirds. The next sections explore some other common reasons hummingbirds avoid certain baths.
Reasons Hummingbirds Avoid Bird Baths
Here are some of the top reasons hummingbird may not be using your bird bath and tips to help provide the conditions they prefer:
The Water is Too Deep
As mentioned above, hummingbirds have very small, lightweight bodies. A bird bath with water more than an inch or two deep can make it tricky for hummingbirds to sip or bathe without getting drenched.
Aim for a very shallow water depth. Some birdbath designs even feature a shallow front area perfect for hummingbirds while still having a deeper pool behind it for larger birds. Placing pebbles or rocks in the basin can also help provide shallow footing.
The Water is Too Dirty
Hummingbirds are attracted to clean, clear water. They will avoid bird baths with dirt, algae, or other debris floating in them.
Change the water daily or every other day to keep it fresh and appealing. Scrub the basin regularly to prevent buildup of films that can cloud the water.
The Bird Bath is Too Close to Dense Foliage
Hummingbirds tend to prefer open areas around bird baths so they can watch for predators. Dense bushes, overhanging branches, and other vegetation near the bird bath can make them shy away.
Situate your birdbath at least 3-4 feet from large shrubs, trees, or other cover. Trimming back nearby branches can also help open up sight lines.
The Position is Too Low
Bird baths placed directly on the ground can seem risky to hummingbirds, since predators like cats often lurk in garden beds.
Elevate your birdbath on a pedestal at least a few feet off the ground. Hummingbirds will feel safer drinking and bathing higher up.
It’s Too Close to Feeders and Other Action
Hummingbirds can get overwhelmed by busy areas with lots of other birds coming to feeders or baths. They prefer to visit bird baths off on their own away from high traffic zones.
Move your hummingbird birdbath 15-20 feet away from other feeders and baths the birds use. Create a quiet space just for them.
Plastic Fake Flowers or Trinkets are Present
Many people love decorating birdbaths with little plastic flowers, fake vines, figurines, wind chimes and other ornamentation. However, hummingbirds seem especially wary of these accessories, likely because they can obstruct visibility and provide places for predators to hide.
For best results, keep your hummingbird birdbaths plain and simple without any added decor. Let the hummingbirds themselves be the living decoration!
It’s Not Cleaned Frequently Enough
As mentioned above, hummingbirds strongly prefer fresh, clean water in their bird baths. Stagnant water or buildup of algae and mineral deposits can deter them from using your bath.
Be diligent about scrubbing the entire bath and changing the water every 1-2 days, or even more frequently in hot weather. It takes diligence, but is well worth it!
The Color is Too Bright
Surprisingly, pastel, bright or boldly patterned bird baths may scare away hummingbirds. They seem most comfortable with simple, natural colors like terra cotta or grey.
If your colorful birdbath isn’t getting traffic, try a new neutral colored one instead. Materials like concrete, stone or ceramic work well.
It’s Made From Slippery Materials
Hummingbirds have delicate little feet not designed to grip slick surfaces. Bird baths made from glass, glazed ceramic or porcelain can be tricky for them to perch on.
Opt for materials with a bit of texture like concrete, clay or natural stone. Adding pebbles, rocks or textured inserts can also help create better footing.
The Water Movement is Too Aggressive
Splashing, gurgling and moving water can startle hummingbirds. They prefer calm baths with minimal ripples.
Adjust drippers, misters and fountains so water movement is very gentle. Consider also offering a still bath alongside a moving water feature.
It’s Located Too Far From Natural Cover
While hummingbirds don’t want overhanging foliage right next to the bird bath, having some trees or shrubs within 20-30 feet can help them feel protected.
Don’t put your birdbath smack in the middle of an exposed lawn. Position it closer to garden beds, shrubs or other border plants.
Tips to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Bird Bath
If hummingbirds are shunning your bird bath, here are some tips to make it more attractive:
Add a Mister or Dripper
Hummingbirds are drawn to moving water, so adding a simple mister or dripper can help lure them in. The sound and motion of dripping or misting water excites these energetic birds. Just keep the flow very light.
Offer Sugary Nectar
Spiking your bird bath water with a bit of table sugar or hummingbird nectar concentrate can sweeten the deal. Just add a ratio of 1 cup sugar per 4 cups water and stir until dissolved. Avoid food coloring.
Provide Fruit Feeders Nearby
Hanging a small feeder or basket of chopped fruit like watermelon, oranges, banana or melon near the bath can help further entice hummingbirds to visit.
Put Up a Guard for Bees
Hummingbirds and bees often share an aversion. Adding a bee guard or mesh screen around your birdbath can help hummingbirds drink and bathe in peace.
Offer Perches
Adding clips or small perches to the rim of your bird bath gives hummingbirds a place to conveniently land and rest when visiting.
Move it Higher
Elevate existing ground-level birdbaths up onto pedestals around 3 feet high or hang them from tree branches to create a safer setup.
Paint it Red
While bright colors tend to deter hummingbirds, many are drawn to red. Painting the bottom rim of your bath red can help grab their attention.
Be Patient
Sometimes you need to experiment with different setups, features and locations over time to find the magic combination that brings hummingbirds flocking to your bath. Don’t give up!
Ideal Bird Bath Setup for Hummingbirds
Based on hummingbird preferences and behavior around birdbaths, here is a summary of the optimal bath features and setup to attract them to your garden:
Bath Basin
– Shallow basin 1-2 inches deep
– Smooth, natural material like concrete, clay or stone
– Neutral earth tone color like terra cotta
– Textured bottom for gripping
– Free from decorations or ornaments
Water
– Ultra clean and clear
– Fresh, changed daily
– May be lightly sweetened with sugar/nectar
Position
– Elevated on pedestal 3 feet off ground
– Near trees/shrubs for refuge but not right against them
– At least 15 feet from other feeders and baths
– Open visibility with no dense covering nearby
Optional Enhancements
– Gentle mister, dripper or fountain
– Fruit feeder hung nearby
– Perches or landing spots
– Bee guard or screen
– Red rim or highlights
Providing these ideal conditions in your yard is the best way to create an enticing, safe oasis for hummingbirds to stop by and enjoy bath time! With some tweaking and patience, you’ll be rewarded with the joy of seeing them splash playfully in your bath on hot days.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds bring special beauty and energy to any garden when they come flitting around flowers, feeders and bird baths. While they have some unique preferences when it comes to birdbaths, attracting them is completely possible. By providing a shallow, clean bath elevated off the ground in an open area, you can create an enticing oasis. Include a few enhancements like sweetener, a mister, or perches and hummingbirds are sure to stop by for a refreshing drink or bath. With a little patience and adjustments over time, you’ll be rewarded by the company of these shimmering tiny feathers at your new favorite backyard birdbath. So enjoy making your garden a welcoming habitat for hummingbirds to thrive and delight in.
