In an extraordinary display of avian intelligence, wild sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney have figured out how to operate public water fountains, astonishing both residents and scientists. This groundbreaking behavior not only demonstrates complex problem-solving skills but also reflects the birds’ ability to learn from each other in real-time—an attribute once thought to be unique to humans and some primates.
Clever Birds with a Thirst for Innovation
In several neighborhoods across Greater Sydney, these highly recognizable white birds with striking yellow crests have been spotted perching on stainless steel water bubblers. Using their beaks and feet in tandem, they’ve learned to tilt the handles and release a stream of water—enough to take a refreshing drink in the city’s warm climate.
While birds drinking from fountains isn’t new, the cockatoos’ ability to manually operate the devices sets them apart. The process involves a sequence of actions requiring strength, precision, and understanding of mechanical function, suggesting high cognitive capacity.
Observers have noted that the cockatoos often display trial-and-error learning, attempting various techniques until success is achieved. Once successful, the technique is then copied by other cockatoos, spreading across flocks like wildfire.
Culture in the Wild: Birds That Teach
The spread of this behavior across different cockatoo populations is particularly fascinating to scientists studying animal culture. What started as isolated incidents in a few districts has now expanded to multiple suburban parks and public areas.
Researchers have documented that neighboring flocks adopt the fountain-operating trick soon after one group has learned it. This kind of observational learning—where one animal learns a skill by watching another—is a form of cultural transmission.
It’s a behavior typically seen in humans, apes, and dolphins. For parrots in the wild, especially in untrained, non-captive contexts, this type of learning at such a scale is exceptionally rare and significant.
How Cities Are Changing Animal Behavior
As more wildlife finds itself living in urban landscapes, the cockatoos’ story may be just one of many to come. Modern cities present challenges—but also opportunities—for animals with adaptable minds.
Cockatoos are particularly suited to city life. They are highly social, vocal, and accustomed to foraging creatively, often breaking into trash bins or bird feeders. Now, public fountains have joined their list of accessible resources.
Their increasing comfort with human-made infrastructure raises questions for urban planning. Should cities begin to accommodate intelligent wildlife? Could urban amenities be designed with both humans and adaptable animals in mind?
A Potential Hygiene Concern
While the cockatoos’ antics are delighting onlookers and researchers alike, not everyone is thrilled. Some residents worry about the sanitary implications of birds handling public fountains used by children and adults.
Local councils are now assessing whether to redesign certain water outlets or educate the public on alternate water access. Suggestions include installing motion-activated fountains or designated bird drinking stations to keep both parties satisfied.
Despite the minor inconvenience, most agree that the birds’ behavior is a small price to pay for the privilege of witnessing such intelligence in action.
A Call to Learn from Nature
The cockatoos’ innovation has become a case study in how nature continuously adapts to human presence. It urges urban dwellers and city designers alike to rethink how infrastructure might either hinder or harmonize with wildlife.
If cockatoos can figure out fountains, what else might animals do when given the chance to solve problems creatively? The potential for cross-species learning is