Sydney’s Genius Cockatoos Are Now Operating Public Drinking Fountains—Scientists Stunned by Viral Avian Hack
Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos have gone viral for learning to use drinking fountains—researchers unveil how these clever birds keep cool in the city.
• Cockatoos succeeded 41% of the time accessing water from fountains
• Observed at multiple Western Sydney parks and sports fields
• Males and females both mastered the trick
• Social learning spreads fountain-hacking behaviour fast
Sydney’s wild cockatoos never stop surprising. After mastering the art of prying open wheelie bins for food, these birds are back in the spotlight—this time for their latest urban life hack. A new international study reveals sulfur-crested cockatoos across Western Sydney now routinely drink from public fountains using complex coordinated actions—delighting scientists and city-dwellers alike.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute, Australian National University, Western Sydney University, and the University of Vienna tracked these clever parrots over weeks. Wildlife cameras captured dozens of cockatoos using their feet with remarkable dexterity to twist handles and tilt spouts, accessing a fresh burst of running water. The birds achieved a successful drink nearly half the time and often queued up at dawn or dusk—suggesting this innovation is now part of Sydney’s daily avian routine.
How Do Cockatoos Open Drinking Fountains? Step-by-Step
Footage shows cockatoos gripping the fountain’s handle—usually with their right foot—while stabilizing themselves on the spout. By shifting their weight and turning the valve clockwise, they release the water, then crane their heads to catch the flowing stream. Sometimes, two feet work the valve for extra leverage. This teamwork of toes and beak rivals the dexterity of any human visitor—that’s no exaggeration.
Researchers noticed no clear difference between males and females in this new behavior, marking a shift from previous food-foraging hacks where males led. This drinking fountain trick appears to be spreading through social learning, as young cockatoos eagerly watch—and then copy—their older peers. Lines of cockies on nearby fences, all waiting their turn, show just how quickly the knowledge is passed along.
Why Are Cockatoos So Good at City Survival?
According to scientists, sulfur-crested cockatoos stand out among wild birds for their smarts, adaptability, and playful curiosity. Their high intelligence and knack for problem-solving enable them to recognize and exploit city resources—including litter bins, taps, and now water fountains.
The behavior is more than a party trick—these drinking innovations help urban cockatoos survive heatwaves, limited water, and shrinking habitats. Their ability to quickly adopt community traditions may give them a critical edge as cities expand and natural habitats retreat.
Can Other Urban Birds Learn These Skills Too?
Researchers believe this is the first case of wild parrots adopting such advanced water-access strategies. While some corvids and pigeons show curious behaviors, none have matched Sydney’s cockatoos for coordinated use of human-made devices. Ornithologists hope continued study will reveal whether this clever tactic spreads to other species—or even other global cities where parrots have taken up urban residence.
To see the cockatoos in action, check out this video clip now making waves among bird lovers worldwide.
How You Can Help Urban Birds Thrive in 2025
- Support the installation of accessible, animal-friendly water sources in parks.
- Keep fountains and taps clean and free of toxins or contaminants.
- Share sightings with local wildlife networks to track bird behaviors.
- Reduce plastic waste to protect wildlife habitats—find tips at WWF and BirdLife International.
- Stay curious and respectful—admire clever cockatoos from a safe distance.
Don’t miss out on the next viral wildlife innovation—watch, record, and help shape the city of the future for animals. Here’s your quick urban bird checklist:
- Spot Sydney’s clever cockatoos at dawn or dusk
- Report unusual animal behavior to community scientists
- Spread the word—urban animals are astonishingly adaptive!
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