Anting (bird activity)

As Einemsen (English anting ) is a behavior of many species of birds referred to in the plumage with live insects, primarily with different ant species, but also with centipedes is touched.

The biological benefits of Einemsens is not explored completely, but it is assumed that the secreted by the insect secretions, especially formic acid, general plumage care and bactericidal and fungicidal functions of send. Probably also various ectoparasites with the corrosive liquid to be fought effectively. The use ant species are in Europe mainly to the black ant ( Lasius niger), the Yellow meadow ant ( Lasius flavus ) and the red wood ant (Formica rufa).

Less likely to appear a soothing function of Einemsens who was suspected because this behavior is often observed in moulting birds. Perhaps also this explanatory model is discussed for the active Einemsen, the hygienic benefits only an additional effect, the actual benefits of behavior is but to see is to cause the prey to secrete the corrosive secretions before consumption.

There are two different types of Einemsens:

• Active Einemsen: Here, the bird sweeps with one or more captive- living ant ( s) through its feathers.
• Passive Einemsen: The bird lies down with outstretched wings near an anthill or ant trail on the ground, so that the insects invade his plumage.