Sydney Cockatoos Stun Scientists by Mastering Public Drinking Fountains—And They Could Change Urban Wildlife Forever
Sulfur-crested cockatoos in Sydney are learning to use public drinking fountains, showcasing jaw-dropping intelligence and adaptability.
- 41% – Success rate of cockatoos turning on public water fountains
- 100s – Number of birds observed adopting the new skill
- 2025 – Year ground-breaking urban wildlife behaviour documented
- 0 – Gender difference: Both male and female cockatoos are equally skilled
The sulfur-crested cockatoos of Western Sydney have done it again. Previously notorious for their talent at prying open household wheelie bins, these ingenious birds have discovered a new urban trick—operating public drinking fountains.
New research from an international team led by the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University reveals that Sydney’s cockatoos are mastering drinking fountain mechanics in city parks. Footage released by the group shows these clever birds twisting handles with their feet and gulping down fresh water—sometimes even forming a patient queue in the chill of dawn or glow of dusk.
Catch their jaw-dropping antics here:
How Do Cockatoos Operate Public Drinking Fountains?
Knocking at the heart of the city, researchers unveiled how cockatoos accomplish this unlikely feat. Using motion-triggered wildlife cameras, observers watched as birds coordinated both feet to twist fountain handles. Typically, one foot would clamp the handle while the other braced or gripped the spout—then a swift drop of their body weight set the fountain running.
Birds would quickly duck their beaks toward the flow, clever as any city commuter snagging a quick coffee, and take a well-earned drink. In the background, more cockatoos lined fences for their turn—urban wildlife patiently waiting in ‘line.’
Why Are Cockatoos Getting Smarter in Cities?
Researchers, including Dr. John Martin from Western Sydney University, point to urban pressures: habitat loss, higher temperatures, and booming city life are driving birds to new inventive behaviors. Unlike their infamous bin-opening trick, both sexes jumped into the action this time, showing that necessity truly sparks innovation regardless of gender.
The study ratchets up evidence that cockatoos rapidly share new skills—bin-opening was first, and now, fountain-drinking is sweeping through Western Sydney flocks. Dr. Martin believes this hints at advanced “social learning”: what one bird invents, others quickly imitate.
Could Other Urban Wildlife Start Copying Cockatoos?
With their notorious curiosity and problem-solving skills, cockatoos are already prime candidates for spreading new urban traditions. Experts suggest it’s only a matter of time before similar behaviors show up in parrots living in other major cities, especially as climate change puts new pressures on urban wildlife worldwide.
How Can You Spot—and Support—Urban Wildlife Innovation?
1. Visit your local parks at dawn or dusk. Look for cockatoos around drinking fountains or perched on fences.
2. Share observations or photos with local research bodies—every sighting helps scientists track urban wildlife behavior.
3. Learn more about bird intelligence at sites like Audubon and stay updated on global wildlife trends via National Geographic.
Q: Are These Behaviors Harmful or Helpful?
While some might worry about cockatoos damaging public property, scientists say these innovations are mostly harmless—and underline the adaptability city wildlife must develop as urban environments expand. This research echoes growing calls to design cities with wildlife in mind, ensuring animals and humans thrive side-by-side.
Don’t Miss Out—Sydney’s Cockatoos Are Redefining Urban Survival!
- Experience the phenomenon in your neighborhood parks
- Document and share wildlife behavior with researchers
- Support urban wildlife-friendly initiatives
- Stay tuned to platforms like BirdLife International for more amazing animal innovations
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