anting

Anting is a peculiar behavior observed in passerine birds, where they interact with ants. There are two main forms: active anting, where a bird picks up ants and wipes them on its feathers, and passive anting, where the bird squats in an ant group, allowing them to crawl on its plumage.1

Birds carefully select ants, avoiding stinging species and preferring those that secrete formic acid or other defensive fluids. While the exact function is debated, most ornithologists believe anting aids in feather maintenance by killing or deterring parasites like lice and mites. Ant fluids may also supplement the oils birds produce from their preen glands. This behavior is innate and most common during molting when new feathers are growing.1