Incredible Cockatoos Outsmart City Life — Watch Their Next-Level Drinking Fountain Hack
Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos are turning heads and taps, as new research reveals their knack for mastering public water fountains.
- 41% – Cockatoo success rate using drinking fountains
- Multiple suburbs – Fountains used across Western Sydney parks
- First-ever – Wild parrots documented using this urban trick
Sydney’s infamous sulfur-crested cockatoos are back—this time, making headlines for a water-cooler feat no one saw coming. These urban-adapting birds, already celebrities for prying open wheelie bins, are now quenching their thirst by operating public drinking fountains.
A multinational team from the Max Planck Institute, Australian National University, and more, documented the cockatoos’ fountain exploits in Western Sydney. Researchers used motion-triggered cameras to capture birds as they twisted and tugged handles, earning a refreshing drink nearly half the time.
The findings, published in the journal Biology Letters, reveal a level of adaptability and social learning that’s pushing boundaries of animal intelligence in urban environments.
Q: How Do Cockatoos Use Public Fountains?
Armed with sharp beaks and nimble feet, the birds deploy an impressive two-step technique. One foot secures the handle or valve (most often the right), while the other grips the fountain’s spout.
Leaning their weight, the cockatoos twist the handle clockwise—sometimes with both feet—releasing a steady stream of water. With a quick turn of the head, they sip as the fountain flows. Researchers frequently spotted a line of cockatoos perched nearby, eagerly awaiting their turn.
Q: Are All Cockatoos This Clever?
What’s remarkable is how quickly this drinking hack spread. Unlike their earlier bin-opening trick—mostly dominated by males—this new skill is practiced by cockatoos of both sexes throughout the region.
Researchers noticed these opportunistic birds primarily visited fountains at dawn and dusk, making use of quiet parks before or after human crowds.
How Do Cockatoos Learn These Urban Tricks?
Social learning is at play. Dr. John Martin of the University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment emphasized that this innovative behaviour becomes a new “tradition”—once one cockatoo cracks the code, others quickly follow.
This aligns with previous research showing their ability to learn from each other, whether it’s unsealing bins or now, mastering water taps.
For more on urban wildlife intelligence, check out National Geographic and updates from University of Vienna.
Why Does This Matter for 2025?
As Sydney (and other cities worldwide) become hotter and drier, adaptable behaviours become vital for animal survival. These discoveries highlight how human infrastructure can unwittingly shape new animal traditions—and how wildlife can thrive despite rapid urban sprawl and habitat loss.
Dr. Martin and the team underscore that documenting these “city hacks” isn’t just fascinating—it’s crucial for planning urban spaces that support biodiversity.
How Can You Spot This Behaviour?
– Look for sulfur-crested cockatoos at park fountains in the early morning or late afternoon.
– Listen for their distinctive squawks and watch for their curious antics.
– See if a queue forms—cockatoos are social, and they wait their turn!
Don’t miss your chance to witness clever urban wildlife in action!
Urban Cockatoo Watcher’s Checklist:
- Visit Western Sydney parks and reserves at dawn or dusk
- Bring binoculars for unobtrusive observation
- Watch park fountains for ingenious bird behaviour
- Share your sightings on local wildlife forums to support ongoing research
Stay curious and support local conservation—Sydney’s smart cockatoos are shaping the future of city wildlife.