Fun Fact: Anting is when birds (often sparrows, crows, or other songbirds) settle onto an anthill and let ants crawl through their feathers. The ants spray formic acid as a defense, which the birds use to clean and protect their plumage. Crushing the ants tends to attract more as a defense mechanism. Other birds, including parrots and seabirds, have been seen doing it too, but far less often. 🐦‍⬛🐜🧖‍♀️ #naturalhabitatshorts #naturalhabitat #naturalhabitok | Natural Habitat Shorts

Anting is one of the most fascinating and unusual behaviors in birds. It happens when a bird deliberately applies ants (or sometimes other insects or substances) onto its feathers and skin. Scientists have documented this in more than 200 bird species worldwide, from songbirds like thrushes and starlings to larger birds like crows and turkeys. There are two main types of anting: 1. Active Anting – the bird picks up ants in its beak and rubs them onto its feathers, wings, or skin. 2. Passive Anti