The Mysterious Behavior of Crows: Sitting on Anthills When Sick

In many cultures, crows have long been associated with mystery, wisdom, and even omens. One particularly intriguing piece of folklore suggests that when a crow is sick or nearing death, it will sit atop an anthill. But why would a crow choose such an unusual resting place?

There are two major interpretations of this behavior:

1. Seeking a Natural Cure

According to traditional beliefs across parts of Asia, including Japan and Southeast Asia, sick crows intentionally sit on anthills to seek healing. Ants secrete formic acid, a natural antiseptic that can help fight infections and parasites. By allowing the ants to crawl over their feathers and skin, the crows might be attempting to cleanse themselves and recover from illness.

Interestingly, modern science has documented a similar behavior called “anting,” where birds deliberately allow ants to crawl over their bodies or even rub crushed ants into their feathers. This behavior is believed to help in removing parasites and soothing skin irritations. So, the old stories may have roots in real, observable bird behavior.

2. Accepting Fate and Returning to Nature

Another interpretation, particularly in folklore, is more symbolic. It is said that when a crow knows it is about to die, it chooses to rest on an anthill as a way of surrendering itself back to the natural world. The ants, being part of nature’s great cycle of life and death, would help break down the crow’s body, returning it to the earth.

This perspective reflects a deep respect for the natural process of life, death, and rebirth — common themes in Japanese and Southeast Asian spirituality. It portrays the crow not just as a survivor, but as a wise creature that acknowledges its place in the grand cycle of existence.

Science and Storytelling Intertwined

While modern ornithologists haven’t widely recorded crows specifically sitting on anthills when sick, the phenomenon of anting, combined with ancient storytelling, paints a fascinating picture. It shows how close observations of animals, blended with imagination and philosophical thought, have created some of the world’s most beautiful folk tales.

Whether seeking healing or surrendering gracefully to nature, the crow’s relationship with the anthill reminds us of the deep wisdom hidden in the animal world — and how much we still have to learn from it.