Adding water to your yard is a great way to attract birds, but a basic bird bath is not a good choice to provide water for hummingbirds. These small, delicate birds need special consideration for an appropriate water source, but backyard birders who provide water for them will be treated to unique views of these tiny birds bathing and preening.

Do Hummingbirds Need Water?

Unlike many birds, hummingbirds do not frequently visit bird baths or other water sources to drink – instead, they get all the liquid they need from the nectar and sugar water they feed on.

They do still need water to bathe, however, to wash sticky residue off their feathers and keep their plumage in top condition for insulation and efficient flight. Savvy backyard birders will provide good water sources for hummingbirds and take advantage of the opportunity to watch these small birds bathe and preen on hot summer days.

How to Provide Water for Hummingbirds

A typical bird bath is too large and deep to be suitable for hummingbirds. Because these birds are so small, they need a much shallower water source, and in fact, a bird bath is often the worst choice for hummingbird water. If necessary, a very shallow bath can be made by adding stones to the bath so the depth is not as great, and hummingbirds might take advantage of it. Better water sources for hummingbirds, however, provide clean, fresh moisture in more unique ways.

• Misters: Positioning a mister to spray nearby leaves is the most effective way to provide water to hummingbirds. The noise of the mister will attract the birds, as will the glistening leaves, and hummingbirds will rub against the leaves to bathe. If the mist is light enough, they may also fly through it, hover in it or otherwise get wet directly from the mister.
  
  

• Misting Sprinklers: Adding special sprinkler heads to your lawn or garden can create a mist source that helps water grass or flowers and at the same time will provide water to hummingbirds. This can be a more efficient way to use a mister, since any unused water will be absorbed by nearby plants instead of wasted.
  
  
• Drippers: A slow dripper added to a bird bath or positioned where it will splash on rocks or leaves is another way to provide hummingbirds with fresh water. The birds may rub against the rocks or leaves to bathe, or may stand under small drips to get the water directly. The noise from the dripper will also help attract other birds that hear the splashes.

More Tips for Hummingbird Water Sources

No matter what type of water source you provide for hummingbirds, remember…

• Clean the nozzle frequently so the water flow is steady and fresh, and change the position of the water source regularly so the surrounding area is also clean.
  
  
• Provide nearby perches for wet hummingbirds to preen and dry. For extra enjoyment, position the perches where you can get a great view of the hummingbirds.
  
  
• Always monitor the water flow and depth of any puddles or basins to be sure it is suitable for such tiny birds, and make adjustments if necessary.

By providing water to hummingbirds, backyard birders can enjoy even more sightings of these spectacular birds, and the water will help keep the birds healthy so they will continue to return to hummingbird-friendly backyards for many years.

Photo – Hummingbird at Bird Bath © Sean Ward