Male palm cockatoos drum on trees to woo mates
CNZdenek
Male palm cockatoos in northern Australia have been observed using drumming displays to attract potential mates. These cockatoos are the only known species, aside from humans, that create tools to make rhythmic sounds. They hold either a seed pod or a small branch in their feet and tap it against a tree to produce rhythmic beats.
Researchers at the Australian National University in Canberra collected discarded drumming tools from Kutini-Payamu National Park in Queensland to study the cockatoos’ behavior further. They obtained 256 drumming tools from 70 trees. The study found that around 89% of the tools were made from small branches, indicating a preference for branches over seed pods.
The researchers analyzed sticks created by 12 male cockatoos and discovered that each bird had its own distinctive design preference for drumsticks. The birds would pick up or snap off a branch and then whittle it down with their beaks to create their preferred drumstick. The designs varied in length, thickness, and shape.
The study did not find any evidence of neighboring cockatoos copying each other’s designs. It is speculated that the birds learn what makes a good drumstick from their fathers rather than imitating other birds’ designs.
The ability of palm cockatoos to craft unique drumsticks highlights their high level of cognition and intelligence. Each bird is an individual with independent thoughts, capable of making decisions and developing unique habits.
