Sydney’s Genius Cockatoos Are Learning to Use Drinking Fountains—And It’s Changing How We See Urban Wildlife
Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos discovered a new trick: operating public water fountains. See how these city birds outsmart urban life.
- 41%: Cockatoos successfully turned on drinking fountains and got water.
- 1000s: Estimated cockatoos living in Sydney’s suburbs.
- First ever: Wild parrots observed innovating this type of drinking behavior.
Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos are at it again—and this time, they’re making headlines for their thirst-quenching smarts. Forget birdbaths: clever flocks have learned to operate public drinking fountains across Western Sydney’s parks, turning what was once a human-only amenity into an avian free-for-all.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University and Australian National University used motion-triggered wildlife cameras to record the action. Over several weeks, the cameras caught cockatoos scurrying up to fountains, gripping the twist-handles with their feet, and expertly turning the valve to release a steady stream of water. Nearby, more cockatoos queued up on fences, eagerly awaiting their turn.
What started as a few innovative birds has now become a widespread urban tradition among local parrot populations, with both males and females showing off their newfound skills. The findings, published in Biology Letters, highlight just how adaptable—and outright brilliant—these city dwellers can be.
National Geographic Australian Museum Audubon
Q: How Are Cockatoos Operating Sydney’s Drinking Fountains?
Researchers observed that the cockatoos approach the fountain just like a thirsty local. The birds use one foot—most often the right—to grip and turn the twist-handle or valve, while the other foot steadies their balance or holds the rubber spout. By lowering their body weight, cockatoos prevent the handle from springing back, releasing cool, fresh water. The bird then expertly dips its beak to drink.
Q: Is This Behavior Spreading Among Bird Populations?
This is no isolated incident. The researchers found that this fountain-opening trick rapidly caught on, spreading through social learning across neighboring cockatoo flocks. Lines of birds can now regularly be seen waiting their turn at sunrise and sunset in local parks and sports fields. Researchers believe this innovative behavior will continue to expand throughout urban Australian environments.
How Do Cockatoos Thrive in the Urban Jungle?
Sydney’s cockatoos are legendary for their city survival skills. Previously, scientists documented how they learned to open household wheelie bins for food. Now, by mastering self-serve water stations, the birds prove they can adapt to new challenges in a changing, urbanized world. Researchers say these birds are drawn to novelty and innovation—key traits in successful city wildlife.
How Can Humans Support Clever Urban Wildlife?
The research not only reveals cockatoos’ ingenuity—it spotlights the importance of coexisting with adaptable animal neighbors. As city infrastructure evolves, so too do the animals who share our space. Experts suggest that public amenities, like fountains and bins, could be designed with wildlife—and their safety—in mind to encourage positive coexistence.
Watch the cockatoos’ daring fountain trick in action: YouTube
Want to Spot These Genius Birds for Yourself?
- Visit local parks and sports fields at dawn or dusk
- Look for long lines of sulfur-crested cockatoos on fences or tree branches
- Observe from a distance—don’t interrupt their clever routine
Urban wildlife is getting smarter every year. Be inspired by Sydney’s crafty cockatoos—watch, learn, and marvel at nature’s unstoppable creativity!
Cockatoo-Smart: Your Urban Wildlife Checklist
- Keep your local environment bird-friendly (provide safe, clean spaces)
- Respect wildlife—observe but don’t interfere
- Secure waste bins to avoid unintended animal foraging
- Share your observations with conservation groups
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