The Mysterious' Anting' Behavior of Crows.

Exploring the Intelligence of Nature.

Photo by Townsend Walton on Unsplash

What is the 'Anting' Behavior of Crows?

There is scientific and research evidence regarding the behavior of crows when infected with fungi and germs that cause illness in the birds.

If a crow becomes ill, it will aggressively attack an ant house and dig it out. Then, it will spread its wings, stand motionless, and allow the ants to crawl all over its body and attack it.

Some birds sit still on an anthill and patiently allow the ants to crawl freely through their feathers. At other times, researchers and photographers witness crows picking up ants with their beaks and rubbing themselves with the tiny insects.

When sensing a threat, ants release formic acid from their abdomens or anal glands as a natural defense mechanism. The bird's body absorbs the formic acid.

Formic acid acts as a pesticide, eliminating fungi and germs from the bird's body.

Literature reveals that in the 1830s, James Audubon documented 'anting' behavior in turkeys. Researchers believe birds use ants to soothe irritated skin during heavy feather molting and to control parasites in their plumage.

In conclusion:

Some facts about crows:

• Crows are famous for their problem-solving and communication skills.
• They recognize and recall human faces, linking them to specific experiences.
• Crows are super smart. They use traffic to help crack nuts.
• Crows mate for life.
• I didn’t know that crows have regional dialects! Just like humans, different populations of crows can have variations in their “languages.” Unbelievable!
• Crows gather in large numbers around their deceased companions.
• Crows can make and use tools.

Below is an image of a flock or murder of Crows:

Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash

There is an exciting book by author Candace Savage:

Crows Encounters with the Wise Guys of the Avian World Savage, Candace

It contains stories, poems, and information about the clever black-feathered bird that are entertaining in insight and humor.

Thank you, readers, for your time and support. Most folks know about crows.

The term "murder," meaning a flock of crows, originates from the scavenging nature of crows and other corvids.

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Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/curious-crow-behavior-known-as-anting-looks-like-violent-dirt-bath-1.6053823

Source:https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/why-is-it-called-a-murder-of-crows