Pondering Birds & Anting

Thoughtful Thursday

Happy Thursday!

I just learned about “anting” earlier this week while browsing through Facebook posts, and I've been pondering it as part of God’s wisdom and the fantastic instincts that are ingrained into all the creatures He’s created.

What is “Anting”?

Sketch by ChatGPT

Anting is a behavior observed in many bird species where they deliberately allow ants to crawl over their feathers and bodies, or they pick up ants in their beaks and rub them on their feathers and skin.

There are two types of anting:

1. Passive anting: The bird simply sits near an ant colony, fluffs up its feathers, and lets the ants crawl all over it.

2. Active anting: The bird grabs ants one by one and wipes them on its feathers.

Pretty interesting, right?!

So, why Do Birds Do This?

There are a few theories, but here are the main ideas:

• Pest Control: Ants produce formic acid, which might help kill or repel parasites like mites, lice, or fleas hiding in the bird’s feathers.

• Soothing Skin: Some think it might be like a spa treatment—soothing irritated skin or helping with molting.

• Prepping Food: In some cases, birds might be “deactivating” the ants’ chemical defenses so they can eat them afterward without that nasty formic acid taste.

Which Birds Do It?

It's surprisingly common! Over 200 bird species have been observed doing it, including:

• Blue jays

• Crows

• Robins

• Orioles

• Thrushes

Can you name a few more? Have you ever observed this activity?

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” - Proverbs 6:6 KJV

Spiritual Application N Thoughts:

Anting can serve as a beautiful metaphor for us spiritually…

Just as birds allow the irritating formic acid from ants for cleansing and protection, we can find purpose and growth through life's trials and challenges. It's a reminder that discomfort can lead to renewal and strength.

God can use the little irritations in life for our spiritual grooming. I do feel like I’ve grown closer to God and in my faith during the hardest times in life, how about you?

A few Bible verses to THINK about today:

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10 KJV

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” - Romans 5:3 KJV

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 KJV

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” - II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:10 KJV

God bless you and your family,

Rhonda White, CWM

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