Australia’s sulphur-crested cockatoos are smarter than one might assume. Indeed, these birds continuously educate themselves on new skills. Recent studies reveal that the birds from Australia have not only figured out how to open trash bins, but they’ve also mastered drinking from water fountains. This is quite an interesting revelation. Historically, we’ve observed some unusual behaviors in animals. Some creatures appear to recognize when humans lack knowledge that they possess. Additionally, we are aware that crows possess the intelligence to engage in geometry. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a shock that certain birds can instruct themselves in unexpected activities as well.
Based on the research findings published in Biology Letters, the sulphur-crested cockatoos have recently learned how to turn on public water fountains. This enables them to hydrate from the fountains even when suitable water sources may be scarce.
Moreover, the researchers observed that this skill seems to have disseminated throughout a significant part of the population across Sydney, Australia. This indicates that they are not solely learning it on their own, but are also demonstrating it to others. Similar interspecies teaching has been noted in orcas, with the whales coordinating attacks on fishing vessels around the globe in 2023.
However, one particularly intriguing aspect of this recent development with cockatoos is that the birds do not always succeed in operating the water fountains. Upon examining one location, researchers informed CNN that they discovered chew marks on several fountains, with other more conveniently located water sources close by.
Thus, it remains uncertain why the birds are opting for the fountains. They may simply prefer the water from the fountain, or perhaps it feels safer. Additional research into the matter will be necessary to determine the exact reasons.
