Will A Rain Chain Attract Birds To Your Porch? Here's What Our Expert Said

Rain chains are a great way to enhance your outdoor space with function and style. These artistic contraptions consist of a series of cups chained together vertically. The rainwater flows from one cup into the other, creating a mesmerizing waterfall effect. Outdoor water features tend to attract feathered friends. So, House Digest spoke exclusively to Zach Hutchinson, Head Flocker and Ornithologist at Flocking Around, to find out if rain chains encourage birds to visit your porch. However, Hutchinson says that the chances are unlikely as rain chains are not a consistent water source.

Although rain chains can help your garden in a multitude of ways, they may not be as beneficial for birds as they are for plants. While it's possible that they may be attracted to the sound of the cascading water, they probably won't stick around long. However, before you get discouraged, Hutchinson says that you may still get some feathered visitors now and again. If you have your heart set on attracting birds with a backyard water feature, there are plenty of other options that they will gratefully enjoy.

Speaking exclusively to House Digest, ornithology expert Zach Hutchinson explained that the sound of the rain chain will not be as noticeable to birds during rainfall. "Generally, if a rain chain is operating, the sound of the precipitation overall would overwhelm any other sounds," says Hutchinson. "As the precipitation lessens, gratuitous water availability would likely reduce a bird's interest in checking out a rain chain." 

Another reason why birds may not be attracted to your rain chain is because they are an inconsistent water feature. They can divert water from your house during times of rainfall. However, during a dry spell, they sit empty. "Regular bird attractions are consistent offerings like a native plant garden, birdbath, or bird feeders," explains Hutchinson. "When the chain is operating, there is plenty of water. When it is not raining, the chain does not provide much attraction." He adds that some birds may use the rain chain for cleaning and preening, but it does not serve much use overall.

If you'd like to attract more feathered friends, consider adding a moving water feature to your backyard, such as a shallow birdbath with a sprayer or dripper. "Birds prefer when water has some movement to it," Hutchinson exclusively told House Digest. "However, this movement is usually best served alongside a shallow pool where birds can safely enter and exit. Most birds avoid deeper water due to predators and the threat of drowning."

Birds rely on their senses to find resources like shelter, water, and food. Hutchinson explains that most birds do not have exceptional hearing — their hearing is limited to 1 to 4 kHz whereas humans range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Despite their limitations, the sound of moving water is incredibly attractive to birds and they will not pass up the opportunity to bask in a fountain birdbath.