Bird baths can be a great way to attract finches and other birds to your backyard. But do finches specifically like and use bird baths? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What are finches?
Finches are small passerine birds in the Fringillidae family. Some of the most common finch species in North America include:
- House finch
- Purple finch
- American goldfinch
- Cassin’s finch
- Pine siskin
Finches have small, cone-shaped bills that are ideal for cracking open seeds. They primarily eat seeds, buds, and fruits. Some species also enjoy insects.
Do finches use bird baths?
Yes, many finch species do use bird baths. Here are some of the key reasons finches appreciate bird baths:
- Drinking – Finches need to drink water daily, and bird baths provide a convenient source of water.
- Bathing – Finches will bathe in shallow water to keep their feathers clean and healthy.
- Socializing – Bird baths serve as gathering places where finches can socialize with each other.
Species like American goldfinches, house finches, and Cassin’s finches commonly flock to bird baths to drink and bathe. Pine siskins may be slightly less likely to visit bird baths, but they will use them too.
Ideal bird baths for finches
Not all bird baths are equally appealing to finches. Here are some tips for choosing or creating an ideal finch bird bath:
- Shallow water depth – Finches like very shallow water, no more than 1-2 inches deep.
- Wide, open design – A wide basin with gently sloping sides allows easy access for bathing and drinking.
- Small rocks or pebbles – Scattering a few small rocks in the bottom of the bath provides secure perches.
- Elevated position – Position the bird bath a few feet off the ground on a pedestal or pillar for safety.
- Clean water – Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and appealing.
- Nearby perches – Place a shrub, tree, or post near the bath to provide landing spots.
When do finches visit bird baths?
Finches will visit bird baths at various times throughout the day, but activity tends to peak in the morning and evening hours. Specifically:
- Early morning – Finches are very active soon after sunrise when temperatures are still cool.
- Late afternoon – Another peak occurs late in the day as temperatures start to cool again.
- All day in summer – During hot summer months, finch bird bath use can occur throughout the day as birds try to keep cool.
Of course, finches will also stop by periodically for quick drinks and baths midday as well. But morning and evening typically see the heaviest use.
Tips for attracting finches to your bird bath
Follow these tips to make your bird bath as attractive as possible to finches in your yard:
- Add a dripper or mister – The sound of moving water will catch their attention.
- Provide cover nearby – Bushes, evergreens, and dense flowers give them shelter.
- Avoid deep water – The depth should be 1 inch or less for safety.
- Select a small design – Opt for a diameter less than 20 inches across.
- Keep it clean – Frequent cleaning removes algae and debris.
- Use a heater in winter – This prevents freezing and keeps water liquid.
- Offer fresh fruit – Halved oranges, apples, or grapes will lure them in.
Do finches ever bathe in other water sources?
Although bird baths are their preferred bathing spot, finches will sometimes use other water sources when necessary including:
- Rain puddles
- Water dripping from leaves and branches after rain
- Sprinklers and irrigation water
- Water in flower pots or dishes under flower pots
- Fountains, ponds, and other backyard water features
They tend to avoid larger bodies of water like swimming pools. But any shallow, fresh water can work in a pinch when a bird bath isn’t available.
Fun facts about finches using bird baths
Watching finches use a bird bath reveals many fascinating behaviors and tendencies. Here are some fun finch facts centered around bird baths:
- Finches nearly always wash from head to tail by dipping in water and brushing back feathers.
- Species establish a pecking order, with dominant ones having first access to the best bathing spots.
- House finches are highly social and may bathe in large communal groups.
- After bathing, finches often perch with ruffled feathers as they preen and allow their feathers to air dry.
- Goldfinches sometimes bathe while hanging upside down below the bird bath.
- Finches may lay down flat in very shallow water and splash around.
- Young finches initially watch older birds use the bath, then copy their behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finches do regularly use and appreciate bird baths. Elements like shallow water, small size, nearby cover, and cleanliness help attract finches. With the right setup, a bath can draw dozens of finches throughout the day seeking water, bathing, and social fun. Bird baths provide an excellent way to observe these active, colorful songbirds up close.
