Sydney’s Genius Cockatoos Are Now Operating Public Fountains—And Scientists Are Stunned

Watch Out, Sydney! Clever Cockatoos Are Now Mastering Public Water Fountains—See the Wild Footage Unfold

Australia’s sulfur-crested cockatoos take urban adaptation to the next level, learning to use Sydney’s public drinking fountains in a show of bird brilliance.

Sydney’s iconic sulfur-crested cockatoos have just raised the bar on urban wildlife smarts. Already infamous for cracking open wheelie bins across the city, these brainy parrots are now tackling another everyday urban tool: public drinking fountains. Yes, you read that right—wild cockatoos are twisting knobs and drinking straight from city fountains, much to the amazement of scientists and citizens alike.

The revelation, published in Biology Letters and spearheaded by the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University, details how Western Sydney reserves became the stage for one of the animal kingdom’s most jaw-dropping city hacks.

Caught on Camera: Cockatoos’ Urban Innovation

Using sophisticated motion-triggered wildlife cameras, researchers captured the birds’ every clever move. The footage reveals cockatoos carefully assessing the fountain, gripping handles with agile feet, and executing a coordinated dance—sometimes even queuing for their turn.

Unlike their bin-raiding antics, which favored males, both male and female birds flexed their fountain skills equally, hinting the secret’s out among the whole flock.

Want to see their strategy in action? Check out the footage on YouTube.

Why Are Cockatoos Doing This?

It’s a classic case of city survival. As climate swings intensify and urban sprawl shrinks natural water sources, cockatoos must innovate—or go thirsty. These social geniuses quickly picked up new tricks, turning a human convenience into their own lifeline.

Scientists suggest this fountain mastery spread through social learning. Cockatoos spotted, copied, and perfected the technique, creating a whole new urban bird tradition.

How Do Cockatoos Turn On a Fountain?

• Step 1: Perch near the fountain, often gathering in a queue at dawn or dusk.
• Step 2: Grasp the twist-handle or valve, mainly with the right foot.
• Step 3: Use bodyweight to rotate the handle clockwise, holding it so it doesn’t snap back.
• Step 4: Turn their head to sip the running water directly from the spout.

This coordinated routine showcases incredible problem-solving skills not just for food, but for critical hydration in a bustling city.

Are Cockatoos the Only Animals Doing This?

While other wild animals have been observed using simple man-made tools, this is the first evidence of wild parrots across the globe picking up such a complicated maneuver. It cements the cockatoo’s place among the world’s top avian innovators—alongside tool-using crows and tool-making parrots studied at institutions like the National Geographic.

How Can Aussies Help Urban Wildlife Thrive?

With cities expanding, supporting adaptable wildlife is crucial. Here’s how you can play a part:

– Avoid feeding cockatoos human junk food—let their natural foraging shine.
– Keep park drinking fountains clean and accessible.
– Report innovative animal behaviours to local environmental groups.
– Learn more through resources like Australian Museum and CSIRO.

Get Involved—Sydney’s Wildlife Is Calling For Urban Support!

• Spot a cockatoo hack? Share your video with local conservationists.
• Encourage city councils to consider animal needs in public space design.
• Stay informed—and delight in Sydney’s wild side!

Urban living just got a lot more interesting—keep watching the skies and the fountains.