Tricky Kakadus: Sydney's Sulphur-Crested Parrots Fool Public Water Fountains
- 2 Min
Malicious Act in Australia: Unauthorized Opening of Public Water Fountains - Kakadus Implicated - Mischievous Cockatoos in Australia Break Public Water Dispensers
For a while now, those pesky parrots have been rummaging through trash cans across town. But now, they've upped their game - Sydney's sulphur-crested cockatoos are messing with water fountains meant for us humans! These clever birds are turning handles, balancing their bodies, and using their beaks to trigger water flow, which requires a surprising level of coordination and problem-solving skills.
A team of behavioral biologists, led by Barbara Klump from the University of Vienna, have been catching these birds on camera for sunrise and sunset shenanigans at the fountains. Klump, who's been studying these parrots for years, told "Science" that they're incredibly innovative and have a knack for problem-solving. However, the success rate varies for each bird.
Brains over Brawn
When investigating one particular fountain, the team found that the trick worked just 41% of the time due to competition with other birds (as reported in "Biology Letters"). But nearly half of the observed birds figured it out eventually. Unlike the widespread trash can-opening trend across Sydney, this water fountain hack seems to be more localized, possibly due to different fountain designs between districts.
Unlike trash can-opening, where male birds were more active, researchers said there's no noticeable difference between genders when it comes to using fountains - strength seems to be less important for accessing water here.
The Question that Remains: Why Water Fountains?
At first glance, it seems the effort to operate water dispensers would be pointless if there are other water sources available. But heat doesn't seem to be a factor, as both cold and hot days saw similar bird activity. One theory is the water simply tastes better or that the safety provided by the fountains against predators is a deterrent. More research is needed for conclusive answers.
The urban cockatoos are constantly evolving, finding new ways to adapt to city life - and they learn from each other too. A trend, or as researchers would say, a cultural behavior, quickly spreads among the birds as they observe what their peers are up to.
Check out the video above: Parrots have long been known for their intelligence. A new study from Vienna has found that the Goffin's cockatoo can do something that only primates are known for.
The Commission has also been consulted on the potential impact of the clever problem-solving skills displayed by Sydney's sulphur-crested cockatoos on the design of home-and-garden water features, considering the possible implications for pet bird enrichment and lifestyle improvements. The scientific community is intrigued by the innovative behavior of these urban cockatoos, as it resembles a primate's cognitive abilities and may influence future research in animal cognition and environmental conservation.
