Yes, quite a lot of bird species ant.
One wonders how they learnt the practice..perhaps it is instinctive? (God given) I have seen European Blackbirds (your Robin family), Wrens (winter Wren) and Woodpeckers etc., all anting to get rid of parasites.
Peace and well being to you Rez.
Hey everybody:hibye:
I don't have a picture right now, but I'm going to dig out my pictures of Giant Silk Moths, so tame that they would sit on our hands and follow us into our house on our pantlegs.
What I would like to share today is an amazing animal behavior that just came to my notice a couple of days ago while doing a search on feeding Starlings. This behavior is a testimony to our God's wisdom and kindness and
I can hardly wait to witness it for myself. Now that I'm feeding a large flock of these birds there is hope that they will return the favour in the Spring and clean up the pesky grubs that infest our lawn and garden.
Sometimes it seems like starlings are eating ants, but they are actually “anting.†They squat on the lawn or dirt, pick up an ant in its bill and dab them under its wings or other parts of its body. The ant emits a defensive spray of formic acid and it is believed by researchers, that this odor of formic acid is disliked by bird parasites. Formic acid acts as an insecticide and possibly as a skin soother when the bird molts in the summer.
....sorta like "underarm deodor-Ant"....or is that "underwing" ..hehehe.:P:tomatoed: :flyinghigh:
Love, Rez
More on "anting"Â Â
anting