Viral Videos Reveal Sulfur-Crested Cockatoos Cracking Drinking Fountain Codes Across Sydney Parks
Sydney’s clever cockatoos are now opening public drinking fountains—see how this urban bird hack is taking over city parks in 2025!
- 41%: Success rate—cockatoos accessed water in nearly half of attempts
- 1st time ever: Wild parrots observed using human water fountains independently
- Both sexes: Male and female cockatoos equally skilled at the trick
- Main times: Most activity spotted at dawn and dusk
Sydney’s famed sulfur-crested cockatoos are making headlines again—this time for cracking the code on public drinking fountains. In groundbreaking new research published in Biology Letters by scientists from institutions including the Max Planck Institute, the Australian National University, and local universities, these resourceful parrots were filmed deftly operating twist-handled drinking fountains across city parks.
The high-flying masterminds use coordinated footwork, clinging to rubber spouts while twisting valves, to release gushes of fresh water. By cleverly lowering their body weight to keep the handle turned, the thirsty cockatoos can then swivel their heads and sip directly from the bubbling stream. Motion-triggered cameras captured flocks forming orderly queues at fountains in Western Sydney reserves and sports fields, transforming these urban hubs into avian hangouts.
The sight is both comical and impressive—a testament to the birds’ adaptability in overcoming city life’s challenges, such as habitat loss and scorching heat waves. Researchers say these drinking fountain antics mirror the previously viral bin-opening technique cockatoos used to raid food waste, showing how innovation and social learning move swiftly through wild flocks.
How Did Cockatoos Learn This Urban Water Trick?
The research team noticed that cockatoos sharing the same green spaces quickly adopted the new hacking skill. Their coordinated moves involve gripping the valve with one foot—often the right—while either balancing on the spout or using both feet to manipulate the handle. The behaviour’s rapid spread strongly suggests the power of avian social learning—a form of cultural tradition surprisingly like those in primates and humans.
Unlike bin-raiding, where males dominated, fountain operation saw no gender gap; male and female cockatoos proved equally handy at hydration. Most action happened during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, when lines of thirsty cockatoos would perch and patiently wait their turn.
Q&A: Are Urban Animals Really Getting Smarter?
Q: Why are cockatoos adapting so well in cities?
A: Cockatoos demonstrate remarkable problem-solving and memory skills. Urban life demands constant adaptation, and these intelligent birds thrive on novelty and challenge.
Q: Does this mean we’ll see parrots using more human infrastructure?
A: Absolutely. As research by the University of New South Wales and others shows, species like cockatoos are pioneers in shaping new “urban wildlife cultures” in response to human environments.
How to Spot a Cockatoo Drinking Fountain Hack in Action
1. Visit parks in Western Sydney at sunrise or sunset.
2. Look for sulfur-crested cockatoos gathering on fences or tree branches near water fountains.
3. Watch for the signature move: one foot on the handle, a twist, and a triumphal gulp!
4. Remain respectful—keep a distance and avoid disturbing these clever birds as they innovate.
What This Means for Urban Wildlife in 2025 and Beyond
Researchers highlight these water fountain breakthroughs as proof that wild animals are rapidly evolving in real time. As climate patterns shift and city temperatures soar, expect to see even more ingenious urban wildlife hacks.
Ready to spot Sydney’s next feathery inventor? Head outdoors, stay curious, and share your findings with local wildlife groups and researchers!
Urban Wildlife Watching Checklist:
- ✔ Early morning/late afternoon park visits
- ✔ Binoculars and camera at the ready
- ✔ Take notes or videos—contribute to citizen science
- ✔ Respect wildlife and local environments
For more on urban animal innovation and environmental research, visit Nature or Science for emerging discoveries.