Rare Footage: African Bird's Unique Ant Bathing Ritual

A safari guide in South Africa captured rare footage of a hornbill engaging in 'anting,' a behavior where birds allow ants to crawl over them to help remove parasites. This process, which involves either passive or active interaction with ants, is believed to aid in parasite control, feather maintenance, and possibly self-stimulation. The footage, shared by Umkumbe Bush Lodge, highlights the unique relationship between birds and ants, with formic acid from ants playing a key role in deterring avian parasites.