Watch Cockatoos Surprising Sydney: Their Smart Moves Unlock Drinking Fountains!

Sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney have discovered how to use drinking fountains. Videos show these striking white birds expertly gripping the handles and tilting them to get a drink.

Researchers set up camera traps and watched these cockatoos for 44 days, recording over 500 attempts at the fountain. They found the birds were successful about 46% of the time. Dr. John Martin, a senior ecologist involved in the study, noted how the birds combine their feet, beaks, and body movements to manipulate the fountain.

Interestingly, about 70% of the local cockatoo population tried this new trick. Dr. Martin believes the birds likely learned this behavior by observing people, making it a case of social learning. “One figured it out, and the others followed,” he explained.

This behavior isn’t just for hydration; the cockatoos have a creek nearby but still enjoy the fountain. Dr. Martin described it as a social event where they gather, forage, and seem to have a good time. This “drinking fountain innovation” has been going on for at least two years and is not the first instance of urban adaptation among these birds.

Previously, they’ve learned to open garbage bins, which also spread socially. In different neighborhoods, the same birds used unique techniques to open bins, showcasing their adaptability based on local culture.

Cockatoos are known for their cleverness. Dr. Holly Parsons, who oversees the urban bird program at BirdLife Australia, describes them as intelligent, social birds that thrive in city environments. They’re resourceful and able to find food and water more easily in urban settings. In fact, they were the fourth most commonly reported bird in BirdLife Australia’s latest bird count.

Current studies, like ones on Goffin’s cockatoos from Austria, show these birds can dunk biscuits in water and even dip food in yogurt. This demonstrates their problem-solving skills, helping them thrive in city life.

Public observations of sulphur-crested cockatoo behaviors are welcome through platforms like Big City Birds, allowing locals to share their insights.

The fascination with these birds lies in their remarkable ability to adapt and learn from each other, revealing much about their intelligence and social structures.



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