Sydney’s Clever Cockatoos Master Public Fountains, Changing Urban Wildlife Forever
Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos are now turning public fountain handles for drinks—changing what we know about urban animal smarts in 2025.
- 41% — success rate of cockatoos using fountain handles for water
- Dawn & Dusk — peak times watchdog scientists observed fountain visits
- Zero gender gap — males and females equally adept at the trick
- First globally — wild parrots opening water fountains studied in detail
Australia’s infamous sulfur-crested cockatoos have taken their urban exploits to new heights: not only have they mastered opening wheelie bins, but now they’re hydrating themselves by operating public drinking fountains across Western Sydney.
A groundbreaking study by researchers from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University documents how these parrots have taught themselves—and each other—how to twist handles on city fountains to get a refreshing gulp.
Wildlife cameras captured cockatoos in swift, coordinated action: one foot clamped onto the valve, another foot bracing the spout, and their entire body weight twisting handles just like a thirsty human. As the water bursts free, the birds bend gracefully to drink—proving once again that cockatoos are urban survival experts.
Curious? See the birds in action on this viral video.
Q: Just how smart are cockatoos compared to other city wildlife?
Compared to pigeons or crows, cockatoos display some of the highest levels of innovation among urban birds. Researchers have seen evidence of social learning—where savvy birds pass tricks, like wheelie bin raids, and now fountain-hacking, through their flocks.
According to the latest discoveries published in Biology Letters, these newfound skills aren’t one-off; the behaviors spread widely, indicating a form of cultural tradition. Experts at National Geographic highlight cockatoos as problem-solvers that thrive on novelty—traits that make them model subjects for urban adaptation studies.
Q: How did scientists confirm fountain mastery?
Dr. John Martin and his international team set up motion-sensitive cameras across Sydney’s parks and sports fields. Over weeks of observation, they counted dozens of successful fountain hacks—41 percent of the birds’ attempts provided liquid success.
Most visits happened at dawn and dusk, with lines of cockatoos waiting their turn, sometimes forming a feathery morning queue along fences. Unlike past bin-opening habits that skewed male, both female and male cockatoos proved equally adept at fountain use.
How-to: Spot a Fountain-Hacking Cockatoo
1. Look for flocks near public parks or sports fields at sunrise or sunset.
2. Find a drinking fountain—watch for birds hopping to the valve.
3. Observe fast, coordinated moves: one foot on the handle, another on the spout, and a firm twist.
4. Notice how other cockatoos wait their turn, showcasing social etiquette.
For more on urban animal intelligence, explore BBC and Scientific American.
What Do These Fountain Tricks Mean for the Future?
As climate challenges and heatwaves increase, landmarks like public fountains become critical resources for wildlife. Cockatoos are ahead of the evolutionary curve, adapting rapidly and innovatively to human-dominated environments.
Researchers now believe these behaviors can spread quickly as “urban traditions,” helping birds thrive even as cities expand. It’s a reminder: smart adaptation, not just survival, is shaping tomorrow’s ecosystems.
Stay Vigilant—You Could Witness the Next Urban Wildlife Breakthrough!
- Visit your local park at sunrise or sunset
- Keep smartphones ready: capture clever wildlife in action
- Share remarkable sightings with local conservation teams
- Support urban biodiversity—discover, protect, and celebrate city life’s hidden wonders
References
