Cockatoos learn what’s safe to eat by watching each other, in a discovery that helps explain how the iconic Australian bird thrives in city life.

Researchers from Australian National University found that sulphur-crested cockatoo rely heavily on social cues — rather than trial and error — to decide whether unfamiliar foods are safe.

The large-scale field experiment, conducted across Sydney, tracked more than 700 wild cockatoos. Scientists trained just four birds to eat brightly coloured almonds placed at feeding stations near five roosting sites.

Within 10 days, hundreds of other birds had adopted the new food — but only in areas where trained birds were present.

Lead researcher Dr Julia Penndorf said the findings highlighted the importance of social relationships in shaping behaviour.

“Cockatoos don’t rely on trial and error alone — they use social information to decide what’s safe to eat,” she said.

Researchers observed that birds were initially reluctant to try the unfamiliar food, underlining the risks of experimenting alone. Once a few individuals began eating the almonds, others quickly followed.

Analysis showed the spread of the behaviour was driven almost entirely by social connections, not independent discovery.

The study also found cockatoos are selective about who they copy. Males were more likely to follow other males, while individuals were most influenced by close social partners.

Co-author Dr Lucy Aplin said these social dynamics are key to the species’ success in urban environments.

“It’s not just about being in the same place — it’s about who you associate with,” she said.

Younger birds were more cautious, tending to follow the majority, while adults were more willing to try new things.

Researchers also documented birds developing different techniques to crack open the almonds, with these methods spreading within social groups — a sign of cultural behaviour in the wild.

The findings build on previous work from the Clever Cockie Project, which has shown the birds can learn complex skills such as opening household bins.

The study is published in PLOS Biology.