Sydney’s Sulfur-Crested Cockatoos Stun Scientists with Jaw-Dropping Water Fountain Hack
Watch out, Sydney! Sulfur-crested cockatoos are now mastering public drinking fountains, rewriting the rulebook on urban wildlife smarts.
- 41% — Cockatoos’ drinking fountain success rate in Western Sydney
- 0 — Gender gap: Both males and females outsmart the system
- First ever — Wild parrots globally filmed using public fountains
It’s a balmy morning in Sydney. At a local sports field, a sulfur-crested cockatoo swoops down, hops to a water fountain, and—using a coordinated dance of feet and beak—twists the handle to unleash a sparkling gush. Surrounding birds perch nearby, waiting their turn as if queuing at a city café, while hidden cameras record the spectacle.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute, Australian National University, University of Vienna, and Western Sydney University have made a startling discovery: Sydney’s favorite feathered troublemakers have cracked the code for urban hydration.
Q: How Did Cockatoos Learn to Use Drinking Fountains?
Motion-triggered wildlife cameras tracked these urban birds for weeks across Western Sydney’s parks, reserves, and suburban sports fields. They revealed:
– Birds gripping the fountain handles with their feet (right foot is popular!).
– Coordinated teamwork of balancing, twisting, and drinking—no opposable thumbs needed.
– A social scene where birds seem to learn from each other, spreading the behavior rapidly throughout the local population.
Q: Do Males Rule the Roost at the Drinking Fountain?
Unlike previous bin-raiding escapades—dominated by bold males—male and female cockatoos showed equal prowess at fountain-fiddling. This points to a communal leap in avian innovation.
Why Are Cockatoos So Smart?
According to leading bird cognition studies, cockatoos are known for brainpower and love of novelty. Their ability to solve challenging puzzles, copy each other, and exploit new resources makes them standout urban survivors. The latest research shows they’re not just adapting—they’re actually building new “traditions” suited to city life.
How Wide Is This Trend—and What’s Next?
With 41% success at activating fountains, researchers believe this may be just the beginning. Scientists expect that as urban environments throw up new challenges—like heatwaves and water scarcity—cockatoos may develop even more ingenious solutions.
How Can You See Sydney’s Clever Cockatoos Yourself?
– Visit city parks or reserves during dawn or dusk—their favorite time for a drink.
– Watch out for queues of white-plumed birds at public water fountains.
– For a peek at their acrobatics, check out wildlife and urban animal news on sites like National Geographic and BirdLife International.
– Want to see the action? Watch the viral footage.
How-Can Cities Help Urban Wildlife Thrive?
Urban design can foster wildlife-friendly solutions by:
– Installing more animal-accessible water fountains in parks.
– Encouraging community science to track adaptive animal behaviors.
– Raising public awareness about sharing city spaces with adaptable creatures.
Spot a cockatoo cracking a fountain? Share your story with wildlife researchers and help science track the rise of urban animal innovation!
Cockatoo City Survival: Urban Wildlife Checklist
- Watch local drinking fountains for wildlife ingenuity
- Report unusual animal behaviors to research programs
- Advocate for urban features that support local species
- Stay updated: Follow innovations in wildlife adaptation
