Cockatoo Dance Repertoire Expands with Finding of 17 new Moves

Wagga Wagga, NSW – August 7, 2025 – A groundbreaking study from Charles Sturt university has revealed a far more complex social and communicative life for cockatoos than previously understood. researchers have identified 17 new distinct dance moves performed by the birds, adding to the existing catalog of 13, for a total of 30 documented gestures.

The research, led by Dr. Carly Waterman and Dr. John smith of the University’s Animal Behavior and Cognition Lab, focused on observations of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) in the riverina region of New South Wales, Australia.Over a three-year period, the team meticulously recorded and analyzed thousands of hours of cockatoo interactions, both in the wild and in controlled aviary settings.

These “dance moves” aren’t simply random movements; they are complex sequences of head-bobbing, wing-spreading, and body-shaking, often performed in coordinated groups. researchers believe these movements serve a variety of purposes, including mate attraction, establishing social hierarchies, and coordinating foraging activities.the newly identified moves include variations in footwork and beak movements not previously observed.

“We initially suspected a level of complexity, but the sheer number of distinct movements and the nuanced ways they are used was astonishing,” said Dr. Waterman. “It’s clear that cockatoos have a sophisticated system of visual interaction that we are only beginning to understand.”

The study builds upon earlier work demonstrating cockatoo intelligence and social learning. Cockatoos are known for their ability to mimic sounds, solve puzzles, and even use tools. This latest research highlights their remarkable capacity for non-verbal communication.

The findings, published in the journal Animal Behaviour, have implications for understanding the evolution of communication in birds and the cognitive abilities of non-human animals. The research team is now investigating whether similar dance repertoires exist in other cockatoo species, such as the Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) and the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri).

Evergreen Context: Cockatoo Intelligence and Social Behaviour

Cockatoos are highly bright birds belonging to the parrot family.Native to Australia, New Guinea, and the Indonesian archipelago, they are renowned for their vibrant plumage, loud calls, and complex social structures. They live in flocks and exhibit strong family bonds, often remaining with their parents for several years.

Their intelligence is comparable to that of a human child, with studies demonstrating their ability to solve complex problems, use tools, and even recognize individual humans. This intelligence, combined with their long lifespans (some species can live for over 80 years), contributes to their rich social lives and complex communication systems.

Threats to cockatoo populations include habitat loss, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and competition with introduced species. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these remarkable birds.