Australia’s Sneakiest Geniuses: Cockatoos Teach Each Other to Use Public Drinking Fountains in Urban Survival Twist
Sydney’s Sulfur-Crested Cockatoos Caught on Camera Inventing Clever Ways to Drink from Park Fountains—And They’re Teaching Each Other!
Smart Sydney cockatoos learn to operate drinking fountains, showing off their urban survival skills and social learning abilities in the wild.
- 41% – Success rate for cockatoos operating public drinking fountains.
- 100s – Estimated wild cockatoos in Western Sydney now exhibit this behaviour.
- 2 universities – Key research led by Max Planck Institute & Western Sydney University.
- 1st time – Documented wild parrots using fountains in this way.
Sydney’s notorious sulfur-crested cockatoos are turning heads again—this time for their wild innovation. After dazzling locals (and scientists) with their ability to open wheelie bins, these clever birds have now cracked a new urban code: how to work public drinking fountains.
New research published in Biology Letters traces the antics of Western Sydney’s cockatoos, capturing them on wildlife cameras as they expertly twist and tug the handles of drinking fountains to get a well-earned sip—long before most folks have had their morning coffee.
How Did Cockatoos Learn to Use Drinking Fountains?
It started with curiosity—and a hint of desperation. The research team, including experts from the Max Planck Institute and Western Sydney University, set up motion-triggered cameras across parks and sports fields. Over several weeks, birds were filmed working handles and valves with remarkable precision.
Footage reveals the cockatoos gripping the twist-handle with one foot—most often the right—while bracing themselves on the spout with the other. They cleverly use their body weight to activate the water flow, then tilt their heads to sip while keeping the valve open—sometimes even forming an orderly line on the fence as if queuing at the city’s local cafe.
Q: Are the Cockatoos Copying Each Other?
Yes—this is social learning in action. Researchers noticed the trick spread fast among local flocks, becoming as routine as their infamous bin raids. Unlike food foraging, this drinking fountain hack shows up equally between males and females, hinting at an urban tradition being forged right before our eyes.
Why Are Sydney’s Cockatoos Such Quick Adapters?
Sulfur-crested cockatoos are famed for their brainpower and boldness. Experts note their urban success story is driven by innovation, adaptability, and a knack for novelty. As green spaces shrink and cities expand, these birds are rewriting survival manuals—leveraging everything from human refuse to public infrastructure.
How Can You Spot This Behaviour in the Wild?
If you’re in Western Sydney at dawn or dusk, keep an eye on local park fountains. You might find cockatoos perched nearby, eyeing up the next opportunity. Their fountain escapades are a sign of urban wildlife evolving in real time—and maybe a wake-up call for city planners.
What Does This Mean for Urban Wildlife?
This discovery marks the first-known case of wild parrots inventing and sharing such a drinking strategy. It highlights how urban environments spark new animal behaviours—and the role cities play as “innovation hubs” for wildlife. Experts from Australian National University hint that more such surprises are likely as nature and city living intersect.
How to Support Urban Wildlife Innovation
- Keep park drinking fountains accessible and clean.
- Report unusual animal behaviour to local wildlife researchers.
- Explore citizen science projects tracking urban bird adaptation.
Ready to witness wildlife ingenuity up close? Head to your local park at sunrise or sunset—and bring your camera. The world’s cleverest cockatoos might just put on a show!
Urban Birdwatcher’s Checklist:
- Look for cockatoos near park or sports field fountains, especially at dawn/dusk.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom—keep a respectful distance.
- Note group dynamics: Are birds queuing or copying each other?
- Share your sightings with local wildlife organizations or via birdwatching apps.
See more amazing animal intelligence stories at National Geographic or learn how wildlife is adapting to our changing planet on BBC.
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