Sydney’s Sulfur-Crested Cockatoos Stun Scientists—Master Water Fountains in Urban Survival Twist
Sydney’s clever cockatoos have cracked public drinking fountains, revealing new urban survival skills, scientists discover in 2025 study.
- 41% Success Rate: Cockatoos got the water flowing nearly half the time they tried.
- Dawn & Dusk Drinkers: Most visits to fountains happen at sunrise and sunset.
- Social Learning: Both male and female cockatoos adopt the clever trick.
- First-Ever Record: This is the first time wild parrots have been seen developing such behavior.
Move over, bin-raiding: Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos have pulled off a new urban feat—using public water fountains. In a never-before-seen wild parrot display, these avian geniuses now twist and pull fountain handles across Western Sydney to beat the heat, according to a cutting-edge 2025 study published in Biology Letters.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University fitted parks and sports fields with motion-triggered wildlife cameras. Over several weeks, they caught these cockatoos—already infamous for breaking into food bins—turning fountain handles with a surprising coordination.
Picture this: a streak of white and yellow feathers swoops in after dawn, perches on a fountain, and—with a twist of its right foot and a grip on the spout—draws fresh water as a line of eager birds watches from a fence. In 41% of cases, the clever birds succeeded in quenching their thirst, showing skillful innovation rarely seen in avian behavior.
Q&A: How Do Sydney’s Cockatoos Crack the Fountain Code?
Q: Are all cockatoos water-fountain wizards?
A: The study reports this behavior is rapidly spreading in Western Sydney’s parrot population, with both males and females participating equally.
Q: How do they actually work the tap?
A: Cockatoos place one foot—usually the right—on the twist-handle, gripping the spout with the other. By lowering their weight, they turn the handle and keep the water flowing, then turn their beak to catch the stream.
Q: When are cockatoos most likely to use water fountains?
A: Early mornings and late afternoons are prime cool-off times, matching the birds’ natural routines.
How Are Cockatoos So Adaptive in Urban Environments?
Cockatoos are famous for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Past studies documented their cunning at opening trash bins—a skill mostly seen in males. But this new fountain-drinking trick is learned by both sexes and quickly spreads through social learning. Scientists believe this “urban tradition” highlights rapid adaptation to city life, a necessity as natural habitats disappear.
Could Other Urban Birds Copy This Clever Trick?
While cockatoos take the spotlight, their innovation sets a precedent for other urban-dwelling birds. Researchers suggest that, just as cockatoos’ bin-opening ways spread, this water-fountain habit could catch on—meaning parks better prepare for more animal visitors.
For more on animal intelligence, visit National Geographic or to learn about local urban wildlife, check Australian Museum.
How Can You Spot a Clever Cockatoo at Your Local Park?
Look for groups of sulfur-crested cockatoos gathering at public drinking fountains, especially around sunrise or sunset. You might see one bird manipulating the handle while others wait for their turn—or even cheer them on.
Don’t miss your chance to witness urban evolution in action! Next time you’re in Sydney’s parks, keep your camera handy and see if you can spot these fountain-hacking cockatoos.
Urban Survival Checklist:
- Visit local parks at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see cockatoos in action
- Observe from a distance—don’t disrupt wildlife
- Share your sightings with local conservation groups
- Learn more about urban animal intelligence from trusted sources like BBC and Science Magazine
