Move Over, Bin-Breakers—Sydney’s Cockatoos Are Outwitting Public Water Fountains in 2025!
New research reveals that sulfur-crested cockatoos in Sydney are now using public drinking fountains—here’s how these clever birds are adapting fast.
- 41% success rate: Cockatoos accessed flowing water almost half the time they tried
- 0% difference: Both male and female birds showed equal fountain mastery
- First time ever: Wild parrots caught on camera using drinking fountains
- 4 universities involved in breakthrough Australia-based research
Think cockatoos are just noisy backyard visitors? Think again. These sulfur-crested showstoppers are rewriting the city wildlife playbook—and now, they’ve taken their street smarts to a new level: operating public drinking fountains with astounding skill.
Filmed in parks and sports fields throughout Western Sydney, cockatoos have been sighted shimmying up to water fountains, gripping valves with their claws, and twisting handles with dynamic teamwork. Crowds of their friends cheer them on from nearby fences, waiting for their turn at the tap. The spectacle, captured on wildlife cameras by an international team from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University, is leaving researchers amazed.
National Geographic routinely covers animal intelligence, but Sydney’s cockatoos are now outsmarting expectations—and maybe even you.
Q: What Exactly Are Sydney Cockatoos Doing Differently?
A: In a savvy display of urban adaptation, these birds aren’t just sipping from puddles—they’re actively turning the knobs on public drinking fountains. Most often, a cockatoo balances one foot (usually the right) on the valve or twist-handle and uses the other for stability. With a well-timed lurch, it cranks the handle open, lets water flow, then ducks its beak under for a refreshing gulp. Birdwatchers have even spotted lines forming—cockatoos patiently waiting their turn in true orderly fashion.
How Did Scientists Uncover This Water Fountain Hack?
Researchers set up motion-triggered wildlife cameras in several Sydney parks and observed the birds over several weeks. Notably, 41% of fountain-visiting attempts resulted in actual drinks, a testament to their rapid learning and problem-solving.
Dr. John Martin, part of the research team from Western Sydney University, described the cockatoos’ methodical approach: a coordinated effort using feet, beaks, and a keen understanding of mechanics. The behaviour was spotted at dawn and dusk, supporting theories that these birds optimize for cool, quiet periods—prime time for urban refreshment.
Check out the footage yourself on YouTube for a front-row seat to this display of avian ingenuity.
Q: Is This Learning Spreading Among Cockatoos?
A: Yes—fast! Social learning is the secret. Once a few cockatoos figure out a nifty trick (like opening wheelie bins for food, which the same research team previously documented), others quickly catch on. This time, both male and female birds are equally likely to join the drinking revolution.
Why Is This Behaviour Important for Wildlife Researchers?
Cities like Sydney present major survival challenges for native wildlife: reduced habitats, scarce food, and unpredictable weather. Yet, the cockatoos’ innovation proves they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving. Scientists say this is the first documented case of wild parrots collectively inventing and sharing such a behaviour, making it a remarkable headline for urban ecology.
How Can Urbanites Support—and Coexist With—These Clever Birds?
– Keep drinking fountains functional but clean, as communal use is on the rise.
– Reduce litter and cover rubbish bins, as cockatoos are expert scavengers.
– Observe from a distance—disrupting wild behaviours can be harmful.
– Learn more about Australian wildlife adaptation via resources like Australian Geographic and WWF Australia.
Don’t miss the next urban wildlife breakthrough! Follow these tips and watch your city’s secret cockatoo society in action:
- Be on the lookout for unusual urban animal behaviour
- Report and document sightings to local wildlife groups
- Share wildlife-friendly advice with your community
- Check out the latest research from Biology Letters for more avian updates
Sydney’s cockatoos are changing the rules. Will your city’s wildlife keep up? Stay tuned—and keep your camera handy!
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