Australia’s ‘trash parrots’ master public water fountains, start their own drinking ritual

Cockatoos in Sydney Master Public Water Fountains, Form Local Tradition (Image: Canva)

In a sight that would entertain anyone walking by, cockatoos in Sydney are waiting in line for a drink — not at a birdbath, but at street fountains. Utilising their beaks and claws as tools, they turn the handles, keeping their weight just so to continue to supply the water.

This ingenious behaviour has now been established as a local custom. A study released on 4 June in Biology Letters tested the fountain-opening abilities of sulphur-crested cockatoos and how the tradition has become widespread.

Twisting, turning, and waiting their turn

Scientists placed cameras close to a fountain in western Sydney. They recorded birds using their feet to turn the spring-loaded handles. The birds used body weight to keep the tap open, and they drank. Some stood patiently in a queue, exhibiting a surprising degree of social order.

Half of all attempts were successful. But the behaviour itself is not an accident. It requires a number of exact steps, motor coordination, and observational learning. Some birds had obviously figured it out. Others were learning in an experimental process.

A learned behavior, not mere curiosity

Lead author Lucy Aplin at the Australian National University said the behaviour probably started with a single bird. Others learnt it over time by observing and experimenting. Though each bird's style is slightly different, the outcome is the same — getting to water in a clever manner.

Despite other water sources nearby, cockatoos seem to prefer the fountains. The team believes they may feel safer in open areas or simply enjoy the water’s taste. The birds’ habit is now considered a cultural behaviour, unique to that population.

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are familiar with urban life. Already regarded as "trash parrots" because of their ability to open bins, they've entertained — and occasionally infuriated — city residents for a long time. Their ingenuity, however, could provide insights into animal adaptation in rapidly evolving cities.

A new project to observe bird intelligence

The research is a part of the larger Clever Cockie Project. This project investigates how clever species adapt to living in cities. Previous research has revealed that birds with larger brains tend to thrive better in cities. They discover new ways of finding food, making a home, and staying alive, even in dense, noisy cities.

Cockatoos are playful and tenacious, qualities that serve them well in learning. "They are extremely curious and enjoy manipulating objects," said Alice Auersperg, a cognitive biologist at Vienna, not involved in the study.

Animal cognition scientist Berenika Mioduszewska shared this perspective. She also noted that longer, concentrated tries at the fountain were more likely to pay off — providing a small life lesson in perseverance.

As these intelligent birds evolve further, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the connection between intelligence and survival in cities.