Science - It's life Jim but not as we know it...

Big Ern · Jul 14, 2025 at 11:47 PM

brb said: ↑

At least I now understand the Latin name of Formica....

AI Overview

Yes, there is scientific evidence of "anting" behavior in birds. Anting is a behavior where birds apply ants or other substances to their plumage, and it's been observed in over 200 bird species, mostly passerines. While the exact purpose of anting is still debated, it's believed to be related to parasite control, grooming, or sensory stimulation.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

What is anting?
Anting involves birds actively or passively applying ants or other substances (like certain fruits or even cigarette butts) to their feathers.

Evidence of the behavior:
The behavior has been documented in various bird species, with observations dating back to the early 19th century, according to Wikipedia.

Types of anting:
Birds exhibit two main types of anting: "active" where they pick up and rub ants on themselves, and "passive" where they allow ants to crawl on their feathers.

Purpose of anting:

Parasite control: Ants produce formic acid, a natural insecticide and fungicide, which may help birds rid themselves of parasites like lice and mites.

Grooming: Anting might help in feather maintenance, potentially soothing irritated skin during molting or aiding in the removal of loose feathers.

Sensory stimulation: Some researchers suggest anting could be a form of self-stimulation, though this is less widely accepted.

Widespread behavior:
Anting has been observed across various bird species and continents, suggesting it's a relatively common behavior within the avian world.

Further research:
While the evidence is strong, the exact reasons for anting are still being investigated.

Click to expand...

TL/DR
Birds use ants to ****, maybe.

brb · Jul 15, 2025 at 12:04 AM

Big Ern said: ↑

TL/DR
Birds use ants to ****, maybe.
Click to expand...

Very strange thought process you got going on there Ern lol

Science - It's life Jim but not as we know it...

Big Ern Lord, Master, Guru & Emperor

brb CR250

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Science - It's life Jim but not as we know it...

Big Ern Lord, Master, Guru & Emperor

brb CR250

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