Anting is a maintenance behavior during which birds rub insects, usually ants, on their feathers and skin. A bird may hold a single ant in its beak to rub over the body, or lie in an area of high insect density …

May 14, 2024 · Anting appears to be widespread and common but not readily observed. Most information is anecdotal. More than 200 species of birds — mostly songbirds — have been observed …

May 30, 2024 · Anting is a maintenance behavior where birds rub insects, predominantly ants, on their feathers and skin. This behavior is divided into two primary types: active and passive anting. During …

Nov 21, 2017 · Though the specifics can vary, at its most basic, anting involves birds rubbing ants on themselves. To date, over 200 species of birds have been observed engaging in this behavior, and …

May 9, 2024 · Discover the fascinating world of "anting," where over 200 bird species engage in a natural spa-like ritual using ants. Birds apply ants to their feathers to utilize formic acid, a natural …

Jun 11, 2025 · Anting refers to a distinct behaviour pattern where birds intentionally use ants as a tool for feather maintenance. Ornithologists distinguish between two primary forms: active and passive …

The purpose of anting is not well understood, but the most reasonable assumption seems to be that it is a way of acquiring the defensive secretions of ants primarily for their insecticidal, miticidal, fungicidal, …

A characteristic but poorly understood behaviour pattern of passerines is the practice of anting. This peculiar ritual has two forms: active anting, in which a bird picks up worker ants in its bill and wipes …

Jun 3, 2025 · Anting is a peculiar and fascinating behaviour displayed by around 200 species of birds across the globe. It is dubbed as a way birds have of coping with their natural environments. Anting …

What is Anting (behavior)? Anting is a maintenance behavior during which birds rub insects, usually ant s, on their feathers and skin.