Cockatoos Showcase Their Cleverness in Sydney

In a stunning display of problem-solving skills, sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney have learned to operate drinking fountains! Video evidence reveals these clever birds gripping and maneuvering the handles before indulging in refreshing sips.

A Research Breakthrough

Researchers equipped with camera traps documented over 500 attempts from these feathered innovators during a 44-day study. Astonishingly, they succeeded approximately 46% of the time, showcasing not just their intelligence but their adaptability to urban life.

According to Dr. John Martin, a senior ecologist and co-author of the study, the birds had to perform a series of intricate actions involving their feet, beaks, and body weight to activate the fountain's water flow.

Learning Through Observation

Dr. Martin suggests that the cockatoos likely picked up this impressive skill by watching humans. "One bird figured it out, and soon the others thought, ‘This looks like fun!’" he explained.

In fact, about 70% of the local cockatoo population attempted this innovative feat, according to the research published in *Biology Letters*. Interestingly, the birds didn’t just seek water out of necessity; there's also a playful element to their behavior.

A New Urban Trend

This exciting drinking fountain escapade isn't the only instance of urban adaptation among Sydney cockatoos. Previously, they gained notoriety for mastering the art of opening garbage bins, using their beaks and feet—a behavior that quickly spread across Sydney's southern suburbs.

Dr. Martin emphasized that these birds learn socially, with different groups developing unique techniques for their environmental challenges.

Encouraging Urban Observations

Members of the public are invited to share their own sightings of cockatoo innovations through the Big City Birds website and app. Cockatoos, part of the parrot family, are natural innovators, equipped with dextrous toes that enhance their ability to manipulate objects.

Global Cockatoo Intelligence

Research extends beyond Sydney, with Austrian studies on Goffin's cockatoos revealing similar impressive behaviors, like dunking biscuits to soften them or dipping food in yogurt for added flavor.

A Symbol of Urban Adaptation

Dr. Holly Parsons, who oversees the urban bird program at BirdLife Australia, notes that sulphur-crested cockatoos are thriving in urban settings due to their intelligence. "They're loud, social, and resourceful, enabling them to adapt well to city life," she remarked.

This species has become increasingly common, ranking as the fourth most spotted bird in BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count.

Fascinating Social Learners

Dr. Parsons, who has observed cockatoos cleverly flipping bin lids, expressed little surprise at their ability to learn new tricks like using fountains. Intriguingly, there are even reports of pet cockatoos returning to the wild and teaching their newfound skills to other birds.

"It’s captivating to witness their cognitive processes and how they learn from one another," she said, highlighting the brilliant adaptability of these urban birds.