Wild Sydney Cockatoos Stun Scientists by Outsmarting Urban Water Fountains: New Study Reveals Astonishing Adaptation
Sydney’s clever cockatoos have learned to turn public water fountains, uncovering a new level of avian intelligence in city birds.
- 41% – Success rate of cockatoos activating water fountains
- Multiple parks in Western Sydney observed for the study
- Innovative skills spread rapidly through cockatoo communities
- Equal ability between male and female birds for this task
Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos have shocked both residents and wildlife experts — not just by cheekily raiding trash bins, but by unveiling a brand-new urban talent: drinking from public water fountains. According to a cutting-edge study published in Biology Letters, these feathery masterminds have figured out how to operate city fountain handles, quenching their thirst in the unlikeliest of places.
The team from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University deployed motion-triggered cameras across city parks and sports fields. The footage captured the sheer ingenuity of the cockatoos: bold birds carefully coordinated both feet to twist fountain handles, angling their heads for a drink as water flowed.
Wondering just how widespread this behavior is? The answer will surprise you.
Q: How Are Cockatoos Identifying and Using Urban Water Fountains?
Researchers observed that cockatoos, famed for their curiosity, watch and learn from each other. Early risers and twilight flocks flocked to the fountains, sometimes queuing on fences, as seasoned individuals performed the handle-turning feat while others observed. Instead of relying on instinct, these birds appear to use “social learning,” actively copying successful behaviors from their peers.
For the first time, this drinking trick wasn’t just dominated by males. Both male and female birds showed equal fountain prowess — a stark contrast with previous trash bin raids, which mostly saw male leadership.
How Did Scientists Document the Clever Cockatoos?
Wildlife biologists rigged motion-sensitive cameras to capture the birds in action throughout 2024 and early 2025. Dr. John Martin of Western Sydney University shared that cockatoos often used their right foot on the twist-handle, gripping the spout with the other foot, and skillfully lowering their bodies to rotate the heavy valve.
Many park-goers will recognize the scene: a determined cockatoo expertly manipulating the hardware while a row of expectant birds watches, ready for their turn. This drew attention to how flexible and innovative cockatoos are at adapting to city life — a further proof of their renowned intelligence.
Why Are Urban Cockatoos So Innovative?
Scientists point to urban environments as hotbeds of behavioral evolution, offering new puzzles and rewards. Cockatoos face constant change and limited resources after habitat loss and city expansion, yet they find stunning new solutions to survive.
This new fountain-drinking tradition is joining their growing repertoire of urban hacks, from bin-opening to car antenna destruction — keeping both researchers and city planners on their toes.
Related coverage: Read more on bird intelligence at National Geographic and explore urban wildlife research at Audubon.
How Can You Support Urban Wildlife?
Love these clever birds but want to keep urban spaces healthy? Support local initiatives that maintain clean, safe city parks and fresh water sources. Get involved with community science via BirdLife International or volunteer with urban conservation groups.
Checklist: How to Spot & Safeguard Sydney Cockatoos
- Look for cockatoos in parks at dawn or dusk, especially near drinking fountains
- Observe from a distance — don’t interfere with their clever routines
- Report unusual or injured cockatoo behavior to local wildlife authorities
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly to protect all urban animals
- Get involved in local birdwatching or conservation programs
Keep your eyes peeled: Sydney’s cockatoos aren’t just city survivors – they’re rewriting the rules of urban wildlife! Want more wild discoveries? Follow global research, support local nature groups, and join the movement to celebrate smart city animals everywhere.
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