11/02/2025
Crows are known for their intelligence — but few people know they’ve also discovered their own natural medicine. When sick or infested with parasites, crows (and some other birds) perform a strange ritual called “anting.”
They deliberately lie down on active anthills or pick up ants and rub them through their feathers. It might look bizarre, but there’s real biology behind it. The ants release formic acid, a natural chemical that helps kill parasites, bacteria, and mites living in the bird’s feathers. It acts like a detox and insect repellent all in one — nature’s version of a chemical bath.
Scientists have observed both wild and captive crows performing anting, especially during molting seasons or after heavy rains when parasites thrive. Some even choose specific species of ants that produce higher concentrations of formic acid — a sign of remarkable instinct and learned behavior.
This behavior isn’t unique to crows either — starlings, robins, and jays have been seen doing it too. But crows, with their incredible problem-solving brains, seem to use it more strategically — as if they know exactly what’s happening.
It’s a stunning reminder: intelligence in nature doesn’t always mean technology. Sometimes, it’s knowing where to lie down — and letting the ants do the healing. 🐜✨