Birds need to keep their feathers in top condition. One of the ways they do this is to “ant”. They actively pick up ants and rub them on their feathers; the chemical excretion from the ants is thought to help get rid of parasites. #Springwatch BBC Springwatch video: Paul Stancliffe | BTO British Trust for Ornithology

Anting Explained This video reveals one of the strangest and most fascinating survival behaviors in the animal kingdom: birds intentionally allowing thousands of ants to crawl all over their bodies. The process is known as anting, and for many bird species, it is a natural self-care ritual essential for their survival. When a bird starts feeling sick, itchy, or irritated by parasites, it deliberately goes near an anthill or an active ant trail. There, it lies down or spreads its wings wide, allo

"Self-Annointing" Behavior in an African Pygmy Hedgehog. Also called "anting", hedgehogs hypersalivate and make a sticky froth when they encounter something interesting and unusual smelling. In this case it was our leather gloves. Then they spread the froth on their spines, possibly as a defense mechanism. | Avian and Exotic Animal Care

34K views · 345 reactions | Anting is one of the most fascinating and...