The behavior of some bird species engaging in “anting” is a unique and still mysterious phenomenon that scientists are studying. However, there are several main hypotheses proposed to explain this behavior.
For us humans, the idea of ants crawling all over our bodies sounds like a nightmare straight out of an Indiana Jones horror film. But for many bird species, it’s an eagerly anticipated ritual known as “anting.” While the sight of a bird seemingly bathing in an ant nest might lead many to mistakenly think it is under attack by ants, this peculiar behavior may actually serve several important purposes for our feathered friends.
The term “anting” originates from the English translation of the German word “Einemsen”, which means “to ant oneself.” It describes the intentional act of birds – they rub ants or other insects on their feathers and skin.
Ants secrete formic acid, a substance that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. When birds “ant,” formic acid adheres to their feathers and skin, helping to eliminate parasites such as mites, lice, and fleas.
The activity of “anting” is typically performed in two ways: birds may pick individual ants with their beaks and vigorously rub them on their feathers, particularly focusing on their wings and tails. Species such as jays, crows, and turkeys often engage in this behavior enthusiastically.
The other method is “passive anting” – a more relaxed approach where birds simply squat down in or near an ant nest and allow ants to gather on their outspread wings and bodies. Red-winged blackbirds, crows, and other corvids are often known for this particular behavior.
Although “passive anting” may seem more harmless to the ants, it is not entirely free of “violence,” as it has been observed that some birds consume a certain number of ants after they have “spas” with the insects.
Some studies suggest that anting behavior may help birds reduce infection from various parasites, especially during times of the year when parasites are proliferating.
With over 200 bird species observed using 24 different ant species for this behavior, it is evident that this is not a random act. However, scientists are still debating the primary reasons and benefits behind this strange behavior. The most commonly cited hypothesis is that this behavior may serve a hygienic purpose – by controlling parasites and bacteria living in the birds’ feathers. When disturbed, ants release defensive chemical secretions like formic acid that can help eliminate or deter lice, mites, fungi, bacteria, and other unwelcome guests on the birds’ bodies. Notably, birds seem to prefer using species of ants from the subfamily Formicinae, known for their strong formic acid spray.
Another hypothesis suggests that birds may rub ants on themselves to eliminate or dilute the ants’ defensive formic acid before consuming them. This could explain why starlings like to engage in this behavior before eating ants. However, not all birds that exhibit this behavior actually consume ants.
Formic acid also helps soften and detach debris from molted feathers and dirt on the birds’ bodies. This makes it easier for birds to groom and clean their feathers.
Since many songbird species perform this behavior during molting season in the summer, some scientists hypothesize that the secretions from ants may help stimulate the growth of new feathers or alleviate skin irritation during molting.
Additionally, another hypothesis regarding this behavior is that ants do not serve any significant biological function but simply provide birds with a source of enjoyment, similar to how many people enjoy popping bubbles on bubble wrap or blowing on a dry dandelion. Some observers describe birds as appearing very excited while engaging in this behavior, leading to speculation that they may develop a “habit” of ant secretions. The fact that “anting” is a very time-consuming behavior yet not essential for the survival of birds may further strengthen this hypothesis.
Other hypotheses have also been proposed, such as birds engaging in anting to cool down, relieve pain, or soothe their skin. However, these hypotheses require further research for validation.
With so many hypotheses, it is clear that this behavior may serve different primary purposes for different groups of birds or even combine multiple benefits. This may help explain the strange yet often observed phenomenon of some bird species using alternative non-insect substances such as snails, millipedes, caterpillars, wasps, and even inedible items like citrus peels or cigarette butts when ants are not available.
Although the origins of this mysterious behavior remain unclear, it has been thoroughly documented as an inherent behavior in many bird families for centuries. Some of the earliest records of this behavior date back to the 1830s, with pioneers like John James Audubon and Alexander Chisholm noting that American turkeys and some Australian birds deliberately immerse themselves in ant nests.
Anting is a common behavior in the avian world.
The term “anting” itself was coined in 1935 by German ornithologist Erwin Stresemann, translated from the term he proposed, “Einemsen.” This sparked global scientific interest in cataloging anti-ant activities across continents. More than 200 bird species have now been recorded for this behavior, confirming it is a common act in the avian world.
