Sulphur-crested cockatoos in western Sydney have mastered the art of operating drinking fountains. Researchers set up camera traps to monitor their behavior, capturing over 500 attempts by the birds over 44 days. The successful instances occurred about 46% of the time.
The clever trick involves a combination of actions involving both feet, bill, and shifting body weight to start water flow. The birds are believed to have learned this behavior by watching people, with one bird eventually figuring out the technique and others following suit.
About 70% of the local population attempted the maneuver, suggesting it was done for fun rather than necessity, as a nearby creek provided an alternative source of water. The innovation has persisted for at least two years, marking the second documented urban adaptation in Sydney’s sulphur-crested cockatoo populations.
Researchers attribute this behavior to social learning within their cultural groups, with birds adapting techniques specific to their geographic areas. This phenomenon showcases rapid and widespread social learning among species adapted to city environments.
Drinking from public fountains appears to be a common practice for these intelligent birds, with experts noting they are known innovators due to their dexterous toes and problem-solving abilities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/04/cockatoos-drink-from-sydney-water-fountains