Sydney’s Sulfur-Crested Cockatoos Take Urban Survival to the Next Level—Caught Turning Drinking Fountain Handles for a Cool Drink
New research reveals Sydney’s clever cockatoos have mastered public drinking fountains, showcasing astonishing urban adaptability.
- 41%: Success rate for cockatoos using water fountains
- Multiple Locations: Trick was filmed across Western Sydney reserves and sports fields
- Gender Neutral: Both male and female cockatoos demonstrated the behavior
Move over, city pigeons—Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos have soared ahead in the street-smart animal rankings. Previously famous for prying open wheelie bins for a free meal, these crafty birds have now been filmed twisting the handles on public water fountains, helping themselves to a refreshing drink right in the middle of Australia’s bustling urban sprawl.
A collaborative team from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University set up motion-triggered cameras across parks and sports fields in Western Sydney. Their goal: understand how urban parrots adapt to human environments. What they captured defies everything we thought we knew about bird intelligence.
How Did Cockatoos Crack the Water Fountain Code?
Researchers observed the cockatoos using both feet with remarkable dexterity—one foot grabbing the handle, the other gripping the rubber spout. The birds used their body weight to turn the handle clockwise while keeping it from snapping back, then reached in for a well-deserved sip. According to scientists, this was no fluke—almost half of their attempts resulted in a flowing drink.
The behavior didn’t just belong to one bold bird. Cameras caught queues of cockatoos perched on fences at dawn and dusk, waiting their turn. It’s proof that this trick has spread rapidly through the local flock via social learning, just like their notorious bin-opening tactics.
Why Are Cockatoos Becoming Urban Geniuses?
Constantly challenged by the fast-changing city environment, wild cockatoos are evolving innovative ways to survive and thrive. With loss of habitat a major issue in Australian cities, these birds have become known for their problem-solving skills and love for novelty.
While male cockatoos led the charge in previous food-foraging breakthroughs, this latest adaptation saw both genders showing off their newfound water fountain skills.
The findings, published in the journal Biology Letters, reveal that wild parrots can develop and spread new urban behaviors much like human trends. For a closer look at these brainy birds in action, check out this YouTube video.
What Does This Mean for Urban Wildlife—and City Dwellers?
Experts say this “fountain-hacking” trend is just the latest display of animal ingenuity happening right under our noses in major cities—and showcases the adaptability of species in response to urban pressures. It’s a reminder that wildlife continues to shape (and learn from) our built environments in unexpected ways.
To learn more about urban wildlife innovation, visit the National Geographic or check out updates on bird intelligence at BirdLife International.
How Can You Spot—and Support—Ingenious Urban Birds?
- Look for groups of cockatoos around drinking fountains at dawn or dusk.
- Reduce food waste in public bins to help maintain healthy bird behaviors.
- Discuss local wildlife sightings with neighbors to track urban animal trends.
- Support conservation efforts through reputable organizations.
See ingenious urban wildlife in action—step outside, look up, and be amazed by Sydney’s super-smart cockatoos!
Urban Cockatoo Survival: Quick Checklist
- Watch for clever cockatoos using public spaces
- Help protect local bird habitats
- Educate others about urban wildlife adaptation
- Stay updated with the latest research from top institutes
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