When a crow feels ill or weak, it resorts to a strange yet brilliant behavior rooted in the depths of nature. Instead of seeking a predator or prey, it looks for an ant colony. This is not for hunting, but rather to allow the ants to crawl across its body. ​The crow spreads its wings and descends upon the ants, shifting its body slightly before settling into a fixed position. As the ants move through the feathers, they secrete formic acid, which acts as a powerful natural disinfectant. This chemical serves to kill bacteria, parasites, and mites that might be plaguing the bird. ​ ​This behavior is scientifically known as Anthing. It is a natural remedy passed down through generations of birds. The crow knows exactly what it is doing; it is utilizing the ants' defense mechanism as a personal pharmacy. ​Some crows even take this process a step further by picking up individual ants with their beaks and rubbing them directly onto specific feathers, much like a human would apply a topical ointment or medicine.

When a crow feels ill or weak, it resorts to a strange yet brilliant behavior rooted in the depths of nature. Instead of seeking a predator or prey, it looks for an ant colony. This is not for hunting, but rather to allow the ants to crawl across its body. ​The crow spreads its wings and descends upon the ants, shifting its body slightly before settling into a fixed position. As the ants move through the feathers, they secrete formic acid, which acts as a powerful natural disinfectant. This chemical serves to kill bacteria, parasites, and mites that might be plaguing the bird. ​ ​This behavior is scientifically known as Anthing. It is a natural remedy passed down through generations of birds. The crow knows exactly what it is doing; it is utilizing the ants' defense mechanism as a personal pharmacy. ​Some crows even take this process a step further by picking up individual ants with their beaks and rubbing them directly onto specific feathers, much like a human would apply a topical ointment or medicine.