Use of millipedes as food and for self-anointing by the puerto rican grackle (Quiscalus niger brachypterus)

Abstract

Although rarely observed in nature, anting is widespread and has been reported in more than 200 species of birds. The concept was used to describe birds allowing ants to climb on their body or the behavior of capturing and rubbing the ants against the plumage. However, the nomenclature of this behavior has been broadened and now is called self-anointing, and includes the use of other animals, such as millipedes (Diplopoda), and even liquids. Here, I describe the Antillean Grackle (Quiscalus niger brachypterus) using millipedes (Trigoniulus coralinus and Anadenobolus monilicornis) for self-anointing and as food. The genus Anadenobolus is reported for self-anointing for the first time. I also observed five grackles, feeding upon the millipede Asiomorpha coarctata, after washing it in water. Possibly, grackles rub the millipedes on their plumage because their secretions may work as ectoparasite repellent or may decrease irritation during molting. The birds ingest these myriapods when food is scarce or because these may help against intestinal parasites.