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Anting and the problem of self‐stimulation

1966/06/01 by K. E. L. Simmons · 2 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Psychology · #Animal Behavior and Reproduction #Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior #Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior

paper · doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1966.tb03890.x

openalex publication_date 1966/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

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).

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