Cockatoos have figured out many urban gadgets for fun

In the Sydney’s western Australia, some of the On June 3rd, scientists found that cockatoos use one foot to twist the handle open while their other claw grips the spout.

because there is no shortage of open water in Sydney and and drinking from fountains. “If there is no super urgent need and you’re not dying of thirst, then why not do something you enjoy?” said Barbara C. Klump.

It’s not the first time cockatoos in this area of Australia have been seen cleverly working urban objects for their own fun. Dr. Klump and her colleagues have also tracked the birds flipping open garbage bins across Sydney, a socially learned behavior that has resulted in an arms race with human residents. Dr. Barbara and her colleagues have also tracked the birds flipping open garbage bins-learned behavior that has resulted in an arms race with humans.

Dr. Klump first spotted cockatoos drinking from public fountains during field research for another project in 2018. At first, she thought someone had forgotten to turn the tap off. But video footage revealed one bird grabbing the spring-loaded handle with its foot to activate the water. Local wildlife officials told Dr. Klump that the cockatoos in the area had been drinking the water for years.