Why Do Crows Cover Themselves with Ants? The Fascinating Behavior of Anting

Nature is filled with extraordinary survival strategies, and one of the most surprising comes from birds. Crows and other species have been observed deliberately covering themselves with ants, a behavior known as anting. While it may look strange, this natural self-care method is an ingenious way for birds to fight off parasites and maintain healthy feathers.

What Is Anting?

Anting occurs when a bird lands near an anthill and allows ants to crawl across its body, wings, and feathers. Some birds actively pick up ants in their beaks and rub them into their feathers, while others remain still, letting the insects spread naturally. The ants then release formic acid, a defensive chemical that helps neutralize bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

This process functions as a natural cleansing ritual, offering the bird protection without the need for external medicine.

Why Crows Use Ants as Medicine

Birds face constant threats from parasites like mites, lice, and bacteria that thrive in feathers. Instead of relying solely on dust bathing or preening, crows have discovered that ants provide an extra line of defense. The formic acid acts as a natural disinfectant, with benefits such as:

• Anti-parasitic protection: Kills or repels feather mites and lice.
• Antibacterial action: Reduces harmful bacteria living on feathers.
• Antifungal properties: Helps prevent infections from fungi that thrive in damp environments.
• Feather conditioning: Keeps plumage healthier and stronger.

Species Known to Practice Anting

Although crows are famous for this behavior, they are not alone. More than 200 bird species have been documented performing anting, including:

• Jays
• Starlings
• Thrushes
• Woodpeckers
• Robins

This suggests that anting is an ancient survival technique passed through evolution across many avian families.

Two Types of Anting

Researchers distinguish between two primary forms of this behavior:

1. Active anting: The bird deliberately picks up ants and rubs them onto its feathers.
2. Passive anting: The bird rests near an anthill and spreads its wings, allowing ants to crawl freely over its body.

Both techniques serve the same purpose: creating a natural shield against parasites and maintaining feather health.

The Science Behind Anting

The formic acid released by ants is not just a random irritant; it is a powerful biological compound. Scientists have found that this acid can:

• Break down harmful microorganisms
• Neutralize toxins
• Act as a mild insect repellent

In fact, the practice of anting is now studied in ethology (the science of animal behavior) as one of the clearest examples of animals using natural resources for medicinal purposes.

What Anting Teaches Us About Animal Intelligence

Crows are already recognized for their high intelligence, tool use, and problem-solving skills. Anting reinforces the idea that birds understand how to harness nature for self-care. Rather than a random act, it appears to be a deliberate choice for health maintenance—an early form of what humans might call “natural medicine.”

FAQs About Anting

1. Do ants harm the bird during this process?
No. While ants may nip lightly, the benefits of formic acid far outweigh any minor discomfort.

2. Is anting only done when birds are sick?
Not always. Birds also perform it as a preventive measure, much like preening or bathing.

3. Why don’t all birds practice anting?
Some species rely more on water or dust baths, while others have different natural defenses. Anting seems more common in species prone to parasite infestations.

4. Can anting improve feather quality?
Yes. By reducing microbial growth, feathers remain stronger and more resistant to wear and tear.

5. Are there other animals that use insects for healing?
Yes. Some primates rub specific plants or insects onto their fur to repel parasites, showing that self-medication is not limited to birds.

Final Thoughts

Anting is one of nature’s most remarkable examples of self-care. By using ants as a natural medicine, crows and other birds show us how wildlife adapts to challenges with resourcefulness and intelligence. This small but powerful ritual is a reminder that the natural world often holds ingenious solutions to survival—solutions that modern science is only beginning to understand.

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