Cockatoos are smarter than you think: Here’s why 

If you have ever had the pleasure of coming across a cockatoo, you know just how charming these birds can be. With their striking sulphur crest and friendly disposition, they have a knack for capturing our hearts. But did you know that these feathered friends are more than just pretty faces? Recent research has revealed that cockatoos are incredibly intelligent and adaptable creatures, capable of feats that even some of our closest primate relatives would struggle to match. In fact, some scientists have suggested that these clever birds may even be smarter than monkeys! So, if you are curious about what these talented parrots are capable of, keep reading to discover some of the amazing things that cockatoos can do! 

Cockatoos know how to use tools to get treats 
In a study done by researchers at the universities of Vienna and Birmingham, cockatoos displayed their sheer brilliance. In fact, the results of this experiment will blow your mind. The study involved 10 clever cockatoos tasked with using a stick and ball to get a delicious cashew nut from a specially designed mechanism. The cashew nuts were kept in a box, with one side covered with transparent paper. To get a cashew, the cockatoos had to punch through the paper and fish out cashew nuts for them.  Despite the task being complex, three of the birds were able to successfully complete it. But one particular feathered friend, named Figaro, really stole the show. Not only did he solve the puzzle in just over nine minutes at the very first attempt, but also managed to reduce the time needed to just a matter of seconds in later attempts! Let us all applaud Figaro for his brilliant performance! 

Cockatoos in Australia can open garbage cans! 
Did you know that cockatoos in Australian suburbs are not just scavenging for food waste, they are also teaching this skill to their feathered friends? A study led by the Max Planck Institute's behavioural ecologist, Barbara Klump, reveals that this remarkable behaviour is spreading rapidly. The research was conducted in three steps. Firstly, the team observed birds in action during garbage collection days in Sydney. Then, they conducted a community survey to locate the hotspots of this behaviour. Finally, the birds were marked to track which ones were opening the bins. At the start of the study in 2018, the behaviour was observed in only three suburbs, but by the end of 2019, it had spread to 44 suburbs. Who knew that these clever birds could not only learn but also pass on this skill to their peers? So that cockatoos are not only opening garbage bins they are also teaching this skill to their friends!  

Cockatoos can dance 
Did you know that birds can dance too? Yes, meet Snowball, the dancing cockatoo! Snowball went viral for his dancing videos on YouTube, which caught the attention of a group of researchers at the Tufts University in Massachusetts. For over ten years, this research team has been closely studying Snowball! More recently, the researchers have been studying Snowball's unique talent for creating and perfecting brand-new dance moves entirely on his own. Incredibly, Snowball has developed 14 distinct dance moves, as well as two dance combos! What is more surprising about this is that Snowball learned these dance moves all by himself, without any formal training or rewards. Rather, his dances emerged through social interactions with humans, making this parrot's abilities all the more impressive and fascinating. Watch out! he could be the next Michael Jackson in the making!