Many
different songbird species have been observed picking up
single ants or small groups and rubbing them on their
feathers. Less commonly, other songbirds "ant" by spreading
their wings and lying on an anthill, and squirming or
otherwise stimulating the ants to swarm up among their
feathers. 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, or bactericidal properties and, perhaps
secondarily, as a supplement to the bird's own preen oil.
The former explanation is reinforced by a growing body of
evidence on the biocidal properties of ant secretions and by
an observation of a jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)
actively "anting" with a millipede, whose potent defensive
secretions (evolved to fend off the millipede's enemies)
could be smelled from 15 feet away. Likewise, the observed
correlation of anting activity with high humidity might be
explained by the documented fungicidal properties of ant
secretions. Because the seasonal timing of anting and
molting (spring and summer) often correspond, some have
suggested that anting may soothe the skin during feather
replacement. It seems more likely that the seasonal
relationship simply reflects the greater activity of ants
during those periods. Recording anting and related
behavior is an activity where birders can easily gather
information of interest to biologists. Those who live in or
visit the Vancouver area, for example, should be alert to
the possibility that the Crested Myna might show behavior
similar to its close jungle relative. If you see anting, be
sure to make detailed notes of the circumstances in which it
is taking place. SEE: Disease
and Parasitism;
Bathing
and Dusting;
Head
Scratching;
Tool
Using. Copyright
® 1988 by Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl
Wheye.