Feathered Spa Day

The Curious Case of Anting in Birds

When you imagine a bird grooming itself, you probably picture a quick flutter through a birdbath or a few minutes of beak-driven feather-fluffing. But have you ever heard of a bird deliberately covering itself in ants?

Welcome to the bizarre and fascinating world of anting—a behavior that’s equal parts mystery, medicine, and self-care ritual. Picture a Blue Jay, perched calmly on a branch, carefully rubbing a wriggling ant through its feathers. It’s not dinner. It’s skincare.

What Is Anting?

Anting is a behavior observed in over 200 bird species, from robins and warblers to crows and starlings. Birds will either pick up ants in their beaks and rub them onto their feathers (known as active anting), or they’ll lie down near an ant colony with wings spread and allow the insects to crawl over their bodies (passive anting).

To the casual observer, it might look like the bird is either in a trance or being attacked by ants. But there’s much more going on than meets the eye.

Why Do Birds Do It?

While birds aren’t likely to reveal their secrets anytime soon, ornithologists have developed several compelling theories to explain anting:

🧴 Natural Pest Control

Many ants, especially those used in anting, release formic acid—a potent chemical that can kill or repel parasites like mites and lice. By rubbing ants into their feathers, birds might be giving themselves a natural, all-organic pesticide treatment.

🛀 Feather Spa

Birds molt (shed and regrow feathers) regularly, a process that can cause discomfort and itchiness. Anting might help soothe irritated skin or prepare new feathers for full functionality. In a way, it’s like a spa day—with bugs.

🍽️ Prepping a Snack

Another theory suggests birds use anting to neutralize toxins in the ants before eating them. Many ants produce chemical defenses to avoid being eaten. Rubbing them first may detoxify the prey and make it more palatable.

🤯 A Mindful Moment?

Some researchers believe anting could have a neurological or even pleasurable component, releasing endorphins in the brain similar to how humans enjoy massages or hot baths. Could birds be enjoying the tingling sensation? We may never know, but it’s not out of the question.

Nature’s DIY Chemists

Birds don’t randomly choose any insect for anting. They’re surprisingly picky, often selecting formicine ants—a group known for their acid-spraying abilities. This hints at a chemical awareness that’s far more advanced than we once thought.

Even more intriguing: some birds have been seen substituting ants with other “medicinal” items—like millipedes, cigarette butts, and even chewed gum. It’s as if they’re experimenting with different formulas for the best DIY bug-repellent.

Anting Across the Globe

Here are just a few birds known to practice anting:

Blue Jays (North America) – experts in active anting.

European Starlings – known to engage in both types.

Song Thrushes – often seen lying in ant trails during molting season.

Crows and Ravens – our feathered geniuses love a good ant rub.

What’s striking is how widespread this behavior is. It’s found on nearly every continent, across species that are not closely related. That suggests anting may have evolved independently multiple times—a strong sign that it serves a real biological purpose.

Still a Scientific Mystery

Despite decades of observation, anting remains one of the bird world’s most charming mysteries. We know what birds do, and we have some solid ideas about why, but many questions remain unanswered:

Is anting learned or instinctive?

Do birds prefer certain species of ants?

Can birds distinguish chemical properties in insects?

Is anting more common in some seasons?

Future studies, perhaps involving micro-analysis of feathers before and after anting, might offer more clarity.

Final Thoughts: A Reminder of Nature’s Intricacy

Anting is one of those quirky natural behaviors that reminds us of how much we have yet to learn. It’s easy to think of birds as simple creatures, but behaviors like this show they can be meticulous, intentional, and even surprisingly inventive.

Next time you see a bird behaving oddly—sprawled out on the ground or fussing over a bug—it might not be in trouble. It could just be indulging in one of nature’s oldest spa treatments.

Have you ever witnessed a bird anting? Share your sightings or thoughts in the comments below—and let’s keep celebrating the strange and brilliant beauty of the natural world. 🐦🪳✨