What Is an Ant Bath?

Did you know that when a crow feels unwell, it may visit an anthill?

Sounds strange?
It’s actually one of nature’s most fascinating healing rituals.

When a crow senses that something is wrong in its body, it will intentionally find an anthill, spread its wings wide, and stay perfectly still — waiting for the ants to crawl deep into its feathers.

Why?
Because ants release formic acid — a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria, fungi, and parasites hiding in the bird’s plumage.

This behavior, known as ant bathing, isn’t just seen in crows.
It’s been documented in many bird species.

No medicine.
No veterinarian.
Just instinct — and nature’s built-in pharmacy.

A brilliant reminder that the natural world is full of intelligent, self-healing systems…

We just have to slow down long enough to notice them.