Bird baths are typically rounded shallow basins about two-inches deep in the center. The basin is propped up one meter from the ground to provide protection against cats. The height of the elevation will depend on how high potential predators in your area can jump. These baths are commonly made of molded concrete. Decorative motifs of cupid, flowers and leaves may be incorporated into the basin and pedestal. You can improvise bird baths from many household items, like; pie tins, deep food plates, even shallow cans. You may prop these up on high stands. Birds will also often perch on wall fountains if these structures are near some tree branch to which they can easily retreat in the event of a threat. Bird baths have been attached to deck railings or trees to reduce the use of space.

In order to keep your bird bath clean, replace the water daily after emptying and cleaning it. Keeping your bird bath sanitary with fresh water, all the time, keeps the birds healthy. It will also help in getting the birds to visit your home. Birds will stay away from an excessively sedimented and filthy water. Replacing the water in the bath basin daily works as much for your health as for the birds. If there are mosquitoes in your neighborhood, they are sure to deposit larvae into the bird basin. Leaving the water standing will increase the number of these pests circulating around your home, as well as the danger of your family being infected with a mosquito-associated disease.

Bird baths may be designed as small garden fountains. Instead of merely filling the basin with water, a faucet or spout drips water little by little into the bath. Excess water will drip out onto the ground and to the adjoining grass. A steady but slow draining technique may be applied to the plate to prevent water from exceeding the capacity of the plate. Dripping birth baths are very popular with birds.

Another variation of a bird bath is one in which the water in the basin is continuously and gently swirled so that the effect is to produce constant ripples in the water. There is also a variant of bird baths that makes use of small cups arranged round-stair-fashion one on top of the other and all of then on top of the main bath basin. Water pours from the cup on top down the ladder of cups into the basin. This style of bird bath is called a "water chain" bath. It's a pretty sight to see birds perched on the cups.

These baths aren't just decorative in purpose, you are also offering birds clean and clear water. They can drink from the bath or bathe themselves. Bird pools are more popular with the bird population than bird feed. This should tell you something about how difficult finding clean and fresh water in some places can be.