Parrots have developed a 'public drinking culture' in Sydney

Wild cockatoos in Sydney's west have learned to drink from water fountains, and they line up to drink from them.

Yellow-crested cockatoos use their feet to turn on the tap and queue up for a drink in Australia - Photo: BIOLOGY LETTERS

A recent study published on June 4 in the journal Biology Letters documented the unique behavior of sulphur- crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) in the western region of Sydney, Australia.

These parrots have learned to use the hand-cranked public water fountain to drink, and even wait in line for their turn.

To turn on the faucet, the parrot uses its feet to hold the handle and uses its body weight to keep the water flowing.

The behavior was first documented in 2018, when a researcher observed parrots lining up for a drink at a park in Sydney. Since then, researchers have conducted detailed studies of the phenomenon.

After a period of observation, scientists discovered that the success rate of these parrots' "missions" of turning on the faucet was up to 50%.

It is worth noting that this behavior is not only out of survival needs, as the area has a natural spring, but also demonstrates the parrot's curiosity and ability to learn socially.

Each parrot may develop its own technique for turning on the faucet, but all are based on the principle of using its feet and beak to control the handle.

This behavior is considered a new "local tradition" in the parrot community, similar to how they learned to open trash can lids to find food in the past.

Scientists stress that parrots' flexibility and adaptability to urban environments is a testament to their intelligence and ability to learn socially.

Not stopping there, this yellow-crested cockatoo is also known for its outstanding intelligence. According to Live Science , they are capable of using tools, solving puzzles, and even participating in games like... playing golf.

This yellow-crested cockatoo is native to Australia and in Sydney, they have learned to open trash can lids. That's why Sydneysiders call them "trash can parrots".

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/loai-vet-da-phat-trien-van-hoa-uong-nuoc-cong-cong-tai-sydney-20250605095620386.htm