Re: Drive by science
Yes, though there's no way to be sure, the most commonly-accepted explanation is that they do it because the ants will remove parasites and also because the formic acid they release onto the bird's skin and feathers will discourage colonization by more parasites. Often, the birds will help themselves to a snack and eat some of the ants.
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“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” -- Socrates
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