The Mysterious' Anting' Behavior of Crows.
Exploring the Intelligence of Nature.
What is the 'Anting' Behavior of Crows?
There is scientific and research evidence regarding the behavior of crows when infected with fungi and germs that cause illness in the birds.
If a crow becomes ill, it will aggressively attack an ant house and dig it out. Then, it will spread its wings, stand motionless, and allow the ants to crawl all over its body and attack it.
Some birds sit still on an anthill and patiently allow the ants to crawl freely through their feathers. At other times, researchers and photographers witness crows picking up ants with their beaks and rubbing themselves with the tiny insects.
When sensing a threat, ants release formic acid from their abdomens or anal glands as a natural defense mechanism. The bird's body absorbs the formic acid.
Formic acid acts as a pesticide, eliminating fungi and germs from the bird's body.
Literature reveals that in the 1830s, James Audubon documented 'anting' behavior in turkeys. Researchers believe birds use ants to soothe irritated skin during heavy feather molting and to control parasites in their plumage.
