Why Do Birds Cover Themselves in Ants?

Have you ever seen a bird sitting on the ground, spreading its wings, and allowing ants to crawl through its feathers?

At first, it may look like the bird has accidentally wandered into an ant colony. But this strange behavior is actually intentional. Some birds actively seek out ants and use them in a behavior that has fascinated bird researchers for decades.

This unusual habit is known as anting, and it is one of the most surprising examples of how birds interact with their environment.

So why would a bird willingly cover itself in ants?

Why Do Birds Cover Themselves in Ants?

Birds cover themselves in ants as part of a behavior called anting, where they intentionally place ants or other insects on their feathers. Scientists believe anting may help birds with feather maintenance, parasite control, or other aspects of their natural grooming behavior, although researchers are still studying its exact purpose.

Anting is not the same as a bird accidentally being attacked by ants. Birds performing this behavior appear to deliberately seek out insects and control how they interact with their feathers.

Researchers have observed two main forms of anting:

• Active anting: A bird picks up ants with its beak and rubs them onto its feathers.

• Passive anting: A bird sits near an ant colony and allows ants to crawl through its feathers.

During active anting, some birds may carefully place ants between their feathers or move them around their bodies. During passive anting, birds may spread their wings, lower their bodies, or remain still while ants move through their plumage.

But why use ants?

Scientists have proposed several possible explanations.

Ants may help birds control feather parasites

One of the most common explanations is that anting may help birds manage parasites that live on feathers, such as feather lice.

Some ants, especially certain species that release chemical compounds like formic acid, produce substances that may discourage small organisms. By bringing these ants into contact with their feathers, birds may be taking advantage of these natural chemicals.

However, researchers do not consider parasite control a complete explanation for every case of anting. Different bird species may use the behavior for different reasons.

Anting may support feather maintenance

Birds rely on healthy feathers for flying, staying warm, and protecting their bodies. Because of this, they spend a large amount of time maintaining their plumage through behaviors like preening, bathing, and sunning.

Some scientists believe the chemicals released by ants may play a role in feather care, although more research is needed to understand exactly how.

Some birds may use ants as part of feeding behavior

In certain cases, anting may also be connected with eating insects.

Some ants produce defensive chemicals that make them less appealing as food. Researchers have suggested that some birds may rub ants on their feathers before eating them, possibly reducing these chemicals.

This means anting may not have one single purpose. Instead, it may represent a combination of behaviors related to feather care, insect use, and survival.

Which Birds Use Anting Behavior?

Anting has been recorded in many bird species around the world, including several birds commonly found in North America.

Some birds known to perform anting include:

• American Robin

• Blue Jay

• European Starling

• Common Grackle

• Crows

• Various thrushes and blackbirds

Not every bird species performs anting, and even among species that do, not every individual bird will show the behavior.

This variation is one reason why scientists are still interested in studying anting. A behavior that appears unusual to humans may have different roles depending on the bird, the insect species, and the environment.

When Do Birds Perform Anting?

Birds can perform anting throughout the year, but the behavior is more commonly observed during warmer months when ants are more active.

Spring and summer provide ideal conditions for many insects, giving birds more opportunities to find suitable ants. These seasons also overlap with important periods in the bird life cycle, including breeding and molting.

During molting, birds replace old feathers with new ones. Since feather condition is especially important during this period, some researchers believe birds may be more likely to engage in behaviors that support feather maintenance.

However, anting is not limited to summer. Birds living in warmer regions may perform the behavior whenever suitable insects are available.

Should You Help a Bird That Is Covering Itself in Ants?

If you see a bird performing anting, the best thing you can do is leave it alone and observe from a distance.

Although the behavior may look uncomfortable, anting is a natural activity for many bird species. You should not try to remove the ants, move the bird, or place insects on a bird yourself.

Like many unusual wildlife behaviors, anting is a reminder that animals often have behaviors that look strange from a human perspective but serve a purpose in their natural lives.

FAQs About Birds Covering Themselves in Ants

Do ants really help birds get rid of parasites?

Scientists believe ants may help some birds manage feather parasites because certain ants release chemical compounds that could affect small organisms living on feathers. However, researchers have not confirmed that parasite control explains every example of anting.

Do birds eat ants after anting?

Some birds may eat ants during or after anting, but anting is not simply a feeding behavior. Researchers believe the behavior may involve feather care, chemical compounds, or other functions depending on the species.

Can birds use insects other than ants for anting?

Yes. Although ants are the insects most commonly associated with anting, some birds have also been observed using other insects in similar behaviors.

Is anting harmful to birds?

No evidence suggests that normal anting behavior harms healthy birds. It is a natural behavior that has been observed in many bird species.

Conclusion

Birds covering themselves in ants may seem like one of nature’s strangest behaviors, but it is actually a fascinating example of how animals use their surroundings in unexpected ways.

Known as anting, this behavior may help birds maintain their feathers, manage parasites, or interact with insects in ways scientists are still working to understand.

The next time you notice a bird doing something unusual in your backyard, it may be worth watching a little longer. Some of the most interesting bird behaviors are the ones we least expect.