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Bird Bathing,
Dusting or Anting

Q: I have seen birds “bathing” in the dust at the end of my driveway. Sometimes I think I see them putting ants in their feathers. What are they doing?

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They are “anting” and taking a dust bath. Researchers have documented this alternative bathing or “anting” in more than 200 species of birds. Anting rids or reduces external parasites and can soothe skin irritations. Dust bathing may reduce moisture, align feather barbs and remove external parasites. Birds also will bathe in the sun when they drop their wings and spread their tails. This also may help increase their body temperature.

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WBU Educational Resources

Bird Bathing, Dusting or Anting

Bird Bathing,
Dusting or Anting