🐦 WHY CROWS LOOK FOR ANTS WHEN THEY’RE SICK – NATURE’S SECRET HEALING TRICK

 


Nature never stops amazing us. One of the most fascinating behaviors seen in the bird world involves something you’d probably never expect: crows using ants as medicine!


Yes, it’s true. When crows feel sick, uncomfortable, or bothered by parasites in their feathers, they don’t just wait for things to get better. Instead, they take action—by turning to one of nature’s smallest creatures for help: ants.





WHAT DO CROWS ACTUALLY DO?


When a crow feels unwell, it finds a place where ants are crawling—like a forest floor, a tree trunk, or even a patch of soil. Then, the bird will land, spread its wings, and stay very still.


As the ants begin to crawl on its body, especially under the feathers, the crow doesn’t fight them off. In fact, it seems to welcome them.


This strange behavior has a name: “anting.”





WHAT IS ANTING?


Anting is a behavior where birds use ants to clean their feathers and skin. It’s not just random — it has a scientific purpose. Ants release formic acid, a natural chemical with powerful effects. It works like:


An antifungal agent – to kill fungi


An antibacterial agent – to fight infections


A natural insect repellent – to chase away parasites like lice and mites



So when birds like crows let ants crawl all over them, they’re actually giving themselves a healing treatment using what nature provides.





IT’S NOT JUST CROWS


Crows may be the most well-known for this behavior, but they are not alone. Many other birds, including starlings, robins, and jays, have been seen doing the same thing. Some even pick up ants in their beaks and rub them directly onto their feathers. This is called “active anting.”


Whether it’s active or passive, the goal is the same: natural healing and self-care.





🧬 HOW THIS RELATES TO MODERN MEDICINE


What birds do through anting has real connections to the world of science and medicine.




1. NATURAL SELF-MEDICATION IN ANIMALS


This is part of a bigger field called zoopharmacognosy, where animals instinctively use plants, insects, or minerals to treat themselves.


Other examples include:


Chimpanzees eating bitter herbs to fight parasites


Elephants chewing tree bark to help induce labor


Parrots eating clay to remove toxins from seeds



Crows using ants is another smart survival strategy — no prescription needed!





2. FORMIC ACID IN HUMAN HEALTH


The same formic acid from ants is used in human and veterinary medicine. It’s found in:


Creams for muscle pain relief


Treatments for mites in bees and livestock


Some natural antifungal and antibacterial products



So in a way, both humans and birds benefit from this natural chemical.




3. INSPIRATION FOR NEW TREATMENTS


Scientists are always studying how animals heal themselves to create better medicines. This approach is called biomimicry. Who knows? One day, something birds do instinctively might inspire a breakthrough in human skin care or parasite treatment.





A LESSON FROM THE WILD


What can we learn from all this?


Animals are incredibly smart and resourceful


Nature is full of healing secrets


Sometimes, the best solutions are already around us — we just need to pay attention



The next time you see a crow standing still near an ant colony, remember — it’s not just resting. It might be taking a moment for some natural therapy.





💡 FINAL THOUGHT


Crows and other birds remind us that nature is wise. Even without hospitals or doctors, they know how to treat themselves using the world around them. It’s a beautiful reminder that the natural world is full of healing, intelligence, and wonder.


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