Blue jays do eat ants. These striking birds are known for their varied diet, as they are omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. While seeds, nuts, and fruits make up a significant portion of their diet, blue jays are opportunistic hunters and will catch and eat a wide range of creatures, including insects like ants.
When it comes to hunting ants, blue jays display an interesting behavior called “anting.” This behavior involves the blue jay catching ants and deliberately wiping them across their wing feathers. This behavior may seem peculiar, but it is believed to serve a purpose.
One theory behind anting suggests that the formic acid present in ants acts as an antiseptic on the blue jay’s skin. Formic acid is known for its antimicrobial properties and is commonly found in ants. By wiping ants on their feathers, blue jays may be using the formic acid as a way to keep their skin clean and free from harmful microorganisms.
It is worth noting that blue jays are known to catch more prey than they can immediately consume. They often store surplus food for later consumption. This behavior, known as caching, allows blue jays to have a reserve of food when resources are scarce, such as during the winter months.
In my personal experience observing blue jays, I have witnessed them hunting ants on several occasions. I have seen them meticulously pick up individual ants and wipe them across their feathers. It is fascinating to watch their deliberate and purposeful actions while engaging in anting behavior.
To summarize, blue jays are omnivorous birds that eat a diverse diet, including insects like ants. Their anting behavior, where they catch ants and wipe them on their feathers, is believed to be a way to utilize the ant’s formic acid as an antiseptic. Blue jays are known to catch more prey than they can immediately consume and often store surplus food for later use.