Cockatoos Showcase 30 Unique Dance Moves, Challenging Human Assumptions

A recent study has revealed that cockatoos exhibit a remarkable repertoire of 30 distinct dance moves, significantly expanding the understanding of avian behavior. Researchers from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Australia analyzed video footage of dancing birds, asserting that this behavior is more complex than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the long-held belief that synchronizing movements to music is a skill unique to humans.

The phenomenon gained initial public attention in 2008 when a viral YouTube video featured an Eleanora cockatoo named Snowball, dancing energetically to the tunes of the Backstreet Boys. Snowball’s impressive moves not only captured the hearts of viewers but also earned him the distinction of holding the Guinness World Record for the most dance moves performed by a bird. Yet, this record may soon be overshadowed by findings from the latest research, which identified 17 dance moves never before documented scientifically.

Researchers meticulously scoured social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok to collect videos of dancing cockatoos. For a video to be included in the study, it had to meet specific criteria: the bird must be in a domestic setting with music playing, demonstrate at least two different dance moves, and be captured from a clear angle. Ultimately, the team analyzed 45 videos featuring 45 different dancing cockatoos.

Using this footage, the researchers developed a “dancing ethogram,” allowing them to categorize the movements based on a prior study of Snowball that identified 16 known dance movements. The analysis resulted in the discovery of 30 distinct dance moves, showcasing the impressive variety in cockatoo dancing behavior.

Varied Dance Styles Among Species

The research also involved observing six cockatoos from three different species at the Wagga Wagga Zoo in Australia. The team conducted experiments with three different “treatments”: playing the song “The Nights” by Avicii, not playing any music, and playing a podcast without music. The results indicated that dancing behavior was present in 10 out of the 21 known cockatoo species.

The most frequently observed movement among the birds was the downward movement, noted in 50 percent of the participants. This was closely followed by the sidestep, observed in 43 percent of the birds. Interestingly, some species displayed unique movements; for instance, the sulphur-crested cockatoos exhibited three movements not seen in other species: the semi-circle low, semi-circle high with crest, and head-foot sync.

The study dismissed the notion that these dance moves were a form of stereotypic behavior, which is common among parrots. Instead, the cockatoos demonstrated a range of movements with considerable variation, indicating a level of creativity in their dancing.

Implications for Bird Welfare

The researchers speculate that the observed dancing behavior may be linked to courtship displays, suggesting that parrots in captivity might be redirecting their natural impulses towards their human companions due to the absence of potential mates. Yet, the study’s authors concluded that the influence of human owners on eliciting dance behavior is minimal.

Co-author Rafael Freire emphasized the cognitive and emotional processes involved in parrot dancing. He stated, “The similarities with human dancing make it hard to argue against well-developed cognitive and emotional processes in parrots, and playing music to parrots may improve their welfare.” The study’s findings suggest that further research could explore how music may serve as a form of environmental enrichment for captive birds.

The implications of this research extend beyond mere observation, providing insights into the complex behaviors of cockatoos and the importance of understanding their needs in captivity. As more studies emerge, the dance moves of these remarkable birds may continue to surprise and delight, challenging our perceptions of animal intelligence and behavior.