Clever Cockatoos of Sydney: Mastering the Art of Public Drinking Fountains

Sydney Cockatoos Crack the Code: Using Public Drinking Fountains In a surprising display of avian ingenuity, a group of Sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney, Australia, have mastered the art of operating public drinking fountains. A recent study published in Biology Letters details this innovative behavior, showing how the birds use their weight and beaks to activate the water dispensers. The research highlights the adaptability of urban wildlife and the complex social learning involved in this behavior. "They put their weight on it, they twist the handle, and then they drink from the bubbler," explains Zeke Darwin, a science teacher who shared a video about the study on TikTok. Darwin's video highlights the cockatoos' methodical approach, even showing instances where the birds wait patiently in line for their turn. The study observed that approximately 70% of the cockatoos in the studied population demonstrated this behavior. The researchers suggest this behavior is a form of social learning, where the skill is passed down through observation and imitation within the flock. The phenomenon is not limited to water fountains. A 2022 paper also highlighted the ongoing "arms race" between the birds and humans over garbage bins, showing the cockatoos' remarkable ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. This fascinating example of animal intelligence underscores the remarkable adaptability of urban wildlife and the ongoing evolution of animal behavior in response to human-altered environments.