See How Sydney’s Street-Smart Cockatoos Are Outsmarting Humans With Their Latest Urban Hack
New research reveals how Sydney cockatoos have cracked the code to public drinking fountains, stunning scientists in 2025.
- 41% – Success rate of cockatoos starting water flow on first try
- 2+ – Feet used for twisting and gripping fountain handles simultaneously
- 2025 – First year wild parrots documented using this fountain hack
- 0 – Gender difference: Both male and female cockatoos equally skilled
Sydney’s brilliant sulfur-crested cockatoos are at it again. First, they wowed the world by cracking open “wheelie bins” for food; now, these scientists of the sky are making headlines for learning to operate public drinking fountains across Western Sydney.
Footage released in 2025 by researchers from top universities, including Western Sydney University and the Max Planck Institute, shows cockatoos using clever coordinated moves to twist handles, release water, and queue up for a cool drink on hot Australian days. Caught on motion-triggered wildlife cameras, these feathered masterminds are proving that city life makes them smarter—and perhaps even more mischievous.
How Do Cockatoos Use Drinking Fountains?
The behavior, captured at local reserves and sport fields, is dazzling. Researchers documented birds using both feet: one, usually the right, anchors on the fountain’s twist-handle or valve, while the other grips the spout. By lowering their body weight, the bird twists the handle clockwise, keeping the water flowing—then tilts its head for a fresh sip.
These scenes unfold mostly at dawn and dusk, with sometimes a queue of cockatoos perched nearby, eagerly waiting for a turn. Social learning appears key: younger birds watch and copy, spreading the hack across the flock.
Why Is This SO Remarkable?
Cockatoos, famed for their innovation and problem-solving, are showing urban traditions can emerge in real time. Unlike their notorious bin-raiding—previously a male-dominated activity—fountain-fiddling is now a universal skill among both sexes.
Behavioral ecologists from the Australian National University say this is the first documented instance of wild parrots developing—and teaching each other—complex water-access techniques in the urban wild.
Q&A: What Does This Say About Urban Evolution?
Q: Are cockatoos adapting to city life?
A: Researchers confirm cockatoos are thriving in urban areas, finding ingenious ways to overcome challenges like habitat loss and resource competition.
Q: How do they learn new behaviors?
A: Observational learning is crucial. As one bird figures out the trick, others watch and imitate, sparking new “traditions” unique to city flocks.
Q: Could this happen elsewhere?
A: Experts from the University of Vienna believe this pattern could be seen in other urban bird populations as cities grow and wildlife adapts.
How Can You Spot a Genius Cockatoo?
Head to a Sydney park at dawn or dusk. Look for groups of sulfur-crested cockatoos gathered around public fountains. Notice their coordinated footwork and patient line-up—hallmarks of a community that learns and thrives together.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Urban Wildlife?
Urban parrots like Sydney’s cockatoos are rewriting the playbook on survival. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and spread new skills could help researchers predict how other species might adjust to a rapidly urbanizing world.
Stay curious and look up from your smartphone—city wildlife is rewriting the rules of survival every day! Watch for clever cockatoos in your neighborhood and share your sightings.
Urban Wildlife Watchlist:
- Visit local parks at dawn/dusk for best bird-spotting
- Observe animal behavior near public resources
- Report unusual or innovative animal habits to local wildlife groups
- Support bird conservation efforts in your area
