Sydney’s Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Spark Frenzy by Learning to Use Drinking Fountains—What’s Behind Their Surprising Smarts?
Sydney’s wild cockatoos are wowing scientists after teaching each other to use public drinking fountains—what’s their secret?
- 200+ cockatoos observed using water fountains in Western Sydney
- Peer-to-peer learning in wild birds confirmed by new research
- Study published in Biology Letters by The Royal Society
Western Sydney’s bustling suburbs have a new sensation—and it isn’t human. In 2025, sulphur-crested cockatoos have proven they’re the cleverest characters of the bird world, astonishing scientists and residents alike by figuring out how to use public drinking fountains, and then passing this remarkable skill throughout their flocks.
Not content with simply raiding rubbish bins, these white-feathered tricksters have stepped up their game. Observations reveal a flashmob of nearly 200 cockatoos crowding around bubblers, operating the mechanisms, and slurping up clean water. This viral behaviour has quickly become a spectacle, drawing curiosity online and off.
Researchers from The Royal Society, led by behavioural ecologist Dr. Lucy Aplin, say the birds’ ability to learn from each other—known as social learning—could reshape how we understand animal intelligence in urban environments.
The twist? No one knows exactly why the birds choose drinking fountains over rivers or birdbaths that are nearby and often easier to access.
ABC News and BBC both report that Sydney’s bird population is among the world’s most adaptable, but even they’re stumped by the cockatoos’ beverage preferences.
Q: How Did Cockatoos Figure Out Drinking Fountains?
It all started with a few enterprising birds. Using their formidable beaks and sharp intelligence, the earliest adopters manipulated fountain levers—an act previously believed to be too complex for wild parrots. The behaviour spread rapidly among the flock as others watched and copied.
Q: Why Use a Bubbler Instead of a Pond?
The exact reason remains a puzzle. Some experts speculate that fountains offer fresher, cooler water—especially vital during Australia’s hot summers—while others think it’s simply a playful challenge for these highly social animals.
How to Spot Clever Cockatoos in Action
1. Visit Western Sydney parks during early mornings or late afternoons, when bird activity peaks.
2. Look for large, noisy groups of white cockatoos near public facilities.
3. Observe silently; crowds may startle the birds.
4. Never feed or disrupt—admire from a respectful distance.
What Does This Mean for Urban Wildlife?
This evolving cockatoo behaviour underlines how wild animals are adapting—and even thriving—amid modern cityscapes. The research suggests more human-wildlife crossovers could emerge as animals grow bolder and smarter around urban innovations.
For more on animal intelligence, check out National Geographic or Scientific American.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this fascinating bird brainpower firsthand—grab your smartphone, head to your local park, and see if you can spot these remarkable Aussie icons!
- ✔️ Look for cockatoo flocks near public fountains
- ✔️ Observe quietly and photograph responsibly
- ✔️ Share your sightings with local wildlife researchers
- ✔️ Stay updated on animal behaviour trends in your city
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