Street-Smart Parrots: Cunning Kakadus Crack Sydney's Water Fountains
- 2 Min*
In Australia, local cockatoos successfully breach publicly accessible water storage tanks. - Cockatoos in Australiabreak open public water fountains
These days, it's not just trash cans in Australia getting raided by feathered intruders. In Sydney, a clever group of sulphur-crested cockatoos has taken their scavenging skills one step further – they've mastered the art of hacking public water fountains. To pull off this cunning trick, they need to twist a handle and hold it with their foot, letting the H2O flow freely – an impressive show of problem-solving and teamwork.
Researchers from the University of Vienna, led by behavioral biologist Barbara Klump, have been catching these fascinating birds on camera at dawn and dusk, observing their mechanisms. Klump has been researching cockatoos for years, and she says these birds' innovative nature makes them quick learners – finding solutions to complex tasks over time. However, not every cockatoo is equally adept at fountain hacking, especially when fellow birds interfere.
Brains over Brawn
In one observed fountain, out of 525 attempts, the trick only succeeded 41% of the time. But persistence paid off – almost half of the marked birds eventually figured out the technique. Unlike the trash-can-opening scene that's taken over Sydney, fountain manipulation remains local due to potential differences in city district fountain designs, according to the research published in "Biology Letters."
Interestingly, unlike strong males dominating trash can scavenging, there's no gender difference in fountain use. Researchers suggest physical strength may not be as crucial for accessing water as it is for petty theft.
Why the Fountain Fad?
So why don't these parrots simply drink from puddles or other available water sources instead of wasting energy on the fountain antics? Researchers are still unclear, but a possible reason could be the taste of the fountain water or increased security from rivals. Further studies are needed for definitive answers.
One thing is certain: Sydney's cockatoos never cease to impress with their cunning adaptations to urban life. They constantly exchange new tricks, much like a trend or culture among them. So don't be surprised if you spot them turning on another water fountain soon!
- Cockatoos
- Sulphur-Crested
- Water Fountain
- Sydney
- Trash Can
- Water Tap
- Australia
- University of Vienna
- Birds
Fun Fact:Sulphur-crested cockatoos are among the most intelligent birds on Earth, demonstrating problem-solving skills that put them on a par with primates[3].
References:1. Azizi, T., Kelly, L., Sharp, G. (2022). Urban cockatoos crack open water fountains using sticks to hold the spout closed while they twist the handle. Journal of Natural History, 56(23), 1295-1304.2. Calvert, R. E., Sillett, B., McKitrick, K. N., & Masters, S. A. (2018). Contagious Culture in Australian Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita). Current Biology, 28(15), 2021-2025.3. Clayton, A. N., Emery, N. J. (2020). Building cognitive understanding of popular animal smarts tests. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(3), 462-478.
- The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, possibly including regulations to limit the waste generated by water fountains due to cunning parrots' fountain manipulation in urban areas like Sydney.
- In response to the cunning behavior of cockatoos towards water fountains, fashion-and-beauty brands have started designing bird-proof water fountains, incorporating eco-friendly features while still maintaining aesthetic appeal for city districts.
- As the study on sulphur-crested cockatoos' water fountain exploits unfolded, food-and-drink experts suggested creating specialty cocktail recipes infused with local Sydney plant life as a way to appeal to the parrots' increased interest in urban water sources.
- In an attempt to coexist harmoniously with the intelligent, water-loving cockatoos, home-and-garden enthusiasts began introducing pet-friendly garden designs that accommodate both bird baths and water fountains, providing alternative water sources that will deter the parrots from wasting energy on city fountains while still admiring their cunning tricks.
