✅ The next time you see a starling messing with ants — remember:

They’re not snacking.
They’re self-caring.

Wild birds got routines too. 😉

What foods do starlings love at feeders?

➜ White millet
➜ Wild bird seed
➜ Cracked corn
➜ Peanut kernels
➜ Sunflower hearts
➜ Suet cake
➜ Bakery scraps

If you want to keep them happy (and help all birds in your yard), set up multiple feeders and make sure there’s fresh water all year round.

At bird feeders, starlings show up loud and proud — often in groups, brawling and spilling seed everywhere.

Annoying? Sometimes.
But they help control pests too.

That’s why you often see starlings hanging out on lawns, parks, and meadows — lots of grubs, beetles, and ants for “anting” and feeding.

Ants spray a chemical called formic acid when bothered.

That acid helps birds fight off parasites and might soothe their skin when molting.

Nature’s own skincare routine. 🧴🕊️

When starlings pick up ants, they don’t eat them.
Instead, they rub ants on their feathers.

Why? 🧐

So what about ants?

You might think starlings snack on them — but they’re actually “anting.”

Yep, that’s a real thing… let me explain.

In spring, starlings eat tons of bugs — about 90% of their diet is insects and grubs.

Later in the year, they switch it up: berries, fruits, apples, corn… even crop leftovers.

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