Cockatoos learn to open bins by copying (evidence of social learning)

[FfFfFfFF 58,120]

Parrots can mimic human speech, move in time to music, and even help others in need. Now, research shows that these large-brained birds can also learn new behaviours from each other, which only decades ago was thought to be a uniquely human trait.

In Sydney, Australia, some sulphur-crested cockatoos—a noisy, gregarious bird that’s common in eastern Australian cities—have figured out how to open garbage bins, a behaviour that other cockatoos quickly copied, allowing them to exploit a new food resource.

In the course of the study, the scientists spent time habituating themselves to some 500 suburban cockatoos. Once the birds were accustomed to their presence, the scientists used makeup sponges to smudge dabs of nontoxic paint on the birds’ feathers, so the researchers could track which individual animals could open bins.

Source - https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2021/07/wild-cockatoos-learn-to-open-bins-by-copying-others-first-evidence-of-social-learning

[ToxicHot 6,444]

Really cool, they’re very smart birds!

 

I like when cockatoos mimic people and start speaking vulgar language.

[Austin 915]

I have 2 cockatoos and they’re very high maintenance parrots, but love them to pieces!

[sarahb 17,188]

To the rest of the world: beautiful, smart, exotic parrot
To Australians: screechy bastard that breaks into bins 

[gagawaffles 165]

Interesting! Ive noticed my smarter dog teaches things to my less-capable dog