Anting and the problem of self‐stimulation

Anting behaviour has been claimed for mammals but the evidence suggests that, in its characteristic forms, it is confined to birds and, in particular, to passerine birds. True anting consists of highly stereotyped movements whereby the birds apply ants to their feathers or expose their plumage to the ants. A variety of other, mainly pungent substances have also been recorded as being used (anting with substitutes).