Why Birds Lie Flat on Their Belly: Anting, Sunbathing
Why Birds Lie Flat on Their Belly: Anting, Sunbathing
What Is Anting Behavior in Birds?
Birds perform anting when they rub ants—or even let ants wander freely—across their feathers and skin. The ants’ secretion of formic acid may help in fighting off skin parasites or improving feather health through feather grooming. This fascinating behavior is seen in over 200 bird species, from robins to starlings .
Is My Barred Owl Sunbathing—Or Performing a Bird Spa?
If you’ve spotted a barred owl lying belly-down in your yard, it’s probably not injured—just treating itself to sunbathing or feather maintenance. Birds use sunbathing to:
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Warm up on cold mornings
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Loosen parasites hiding in plumage
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Stimulate oil gland secretions for healthy feathers
This is a safe, natural behavior—no need to worry when you see your owl stretched out and basking.
The Science Behind Anting: Why Do Birds Do It?
Parasite Control and Feather Maintenance
One key theory is that birds use anting to repel parasites. The ants’ formic acid may inhibit bacteria and fungi that can damage feathers. Another idea is that anting helps remove old preen oils and allows for cleaner grooming .
Food Preparation & Self-Stimulation
Some birds might use anting to neutralize ants’ chemical defenses before eating them . Others may simply find the behavior soothing—a natural form of sensory self-stimulation, much like human habits that feel pleasurable .
Capture These Rare Moments with the Best Smart Bird Feeder
Want to catch ants, sunbathing behaviors, or rare owl habit mid-belly-flop? A smart bird feeder with camera is your best ally. A few must-have features to look for:
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High Camera Resolution: Go for at least 1080p (Full HD) or even 4K to capture those tiny feather details .
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Motion Detection & AI Bird Identification: Automatically records visits and even identifies species via AI
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Power Options: Solar-powered or long-lasting battery models keep your camera running with minimal fuss
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Weatherproof Housing: Look for IP66 or IP65 ratings to ensure durability in rain, snow, and sun
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Wireless Connectivity & Notifications: Stay connected via Wi-Fi ; get alerts, stream live, and share sightings instantly
Building Your Bird Behavior Blog with Expert Insights
Curious to learn more about unique bird habits and how to attract fascinating visitors to your yard? Head over to my prior articles on the Birdfeederco News Page, such as:
Final Thoughts: From Anting to Smart Bird Feeding
Whether it's an owl sunning itself in your yard or a songbird enjoying an ant-based spa treatment, these behaviors are truly captivating. With a yard bird feeder built with a camera, you can witness every “feather moment” up close—capture rare actions, identify species, and build a gallery of nature’s best surprises.
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