Meet Sydney’s “Hacker” Cockatoos: Wild Parrots Caught Using Public Fountains in Brilliant Urban Survival Move
New research uncovers how sulfur-crested cockatoos in Sydney have learned to operate water fountains, highlighting their remarkable adaptability.
- 41% — Success rate for cockatoos activating fountains for a drink
- 100s — Fountains visited by cockatoos across Western Sydney
- Zero gender bias — Both males and females demonstrated the clever new skill
- 2025 — First globally reported case of wild parrots using human water sources like this
Urban wildlife is changing fast — and Sydney’s sulfur-crested cockatoos are leading the revolution. These bold birds have just stunned scientists again, this time by learning to work public drinking fountains designed for humans.
Biologists from the Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University, and Australian National University rigged Western Sydney’s parks with motion-sensitive cameras, tracking flocks as they landed, hovered, and lined up at fountains typically reserved for joggers and picnickers.
On camera and in broad daylight, cockatoos gripped with their powerful feet, expertly twisted the handles, and lowered their bodies just enough to access the cool, clean water. The result? A 41% success rate—remarkable odds for a wild hack of human infrastructure.
The findings, published in the journal Biology Letters, lift the curtain on a new era of urban bird innovation. The same birds once caught prying open wheelie bins for food scraps have now added a new trick: mastering machines designed for us, not them. Bursts of activity peaked at dawn and dusk, with birds queuing on fences, waiting patiently for a turn.
For more on smart city wildlife, check National Geographic or read the latest wildlife science at Nature.
Q&A: How Did Cockatoos Crack the Code of Public Fountains?
How do they do it?
Wildlife cameras revealed a series of coordinated actions: One foot (usually the right) clamped the fountain handle, the other steadied the rubber spout, and their full body weight twisted the handle downward. A quick head-turn — and they sipped from the running stream.
Is this a rare case?
Absolutely. This is the first documented instance of wild parrots using drinking fountains this way anywhere in the world. Until now, only some primates and raccoons were known to manipulate such human devices for water.
Is it learned, or instinctive?
Researchers believe it’s classic social learning. Adventurous cockatoos who solve the fountain puzzle teach others, sparking a local tradition that could soon spread city-wide.
How-To: Spot Sydney’s Thirsty Urban Cockatoos in Action
1. Visit parks and sports fields in Western Sydney during early morning or late afternoon.
2. Look for groups of cockatoos perched on fences or circling drinking fountains.
3. Watch for the signature routine: hopping on, twisting the handle, and sipping the running water.
4. Snap a photo or video (from a respectful distance) — you could catch the next viral moment!
For nature lovers tracking animal behavior trends, see the ongoing work at WWF and Audubon Society.
Why Are Cockatoos Thriving in the City?
Sydney’s expanding suburbs have forced native species to adapt or perish. Cockatoos, with their superior brainpower, flexibility, and penchant for problem-solving, have become iconic survivors, inventing new skills to navigate urban challenges. Previous years saw them figure out bin-lids for food — now, they’re quenching thirst with city tech.
Interestingly, unlike their bin-raiding days when mainly males led the charge, both sexes are equally adept at fountain hacking. It’s an egalitarian trend in bird innovation.
Could This Happen in Other Cities?
With rising urban temperatures and continued loss of natural water sources, expect to see similar behaviors pop up worldwide. Parrots are notorious for their curiosity — and their ability to imitate and teach could mean your local park’s fountains are next.
Don’t miss the extraordinary footage: Watch the cockatoos in action on YouTube.
Take Action: Help Our City Wildlife Survive and Thrive!
- Keep public water sources accessible and clean for all urban creatures.
- Observe from a distance and avoid scaring wildlife at drinking sites.
- Share your sightings on community nature apps to help researchers track urban animal behaviors.
- Support urban biodiversity by planting native trees and shrubs.
Stay curious and keep watching — your local park could be home to the next brilliant bird breakthrough!
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