A study published on September 13 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B illuminates the extraordinary creativity of wild palm cockatoos, scientifically known as Probosciger aterrimus. These avian marvels exhibit distinct preferences when crafting personalized instruments for their unique musical mating rituals. While some males exclusively favor drumsticks, others opt for a combination of drumsticks and seed pod instruments. Intriguingly, an unconventional male stands out by hardly crafting any drumsticks at all. The research suggests that these distinct choices stem from individual preferences rather than the availability of materials, implying that potential mates of these musical cockatoos may highly value creativity and individuality.
Cognitive biologist Alice Auersperg, who was not involved in the study and is affiliated with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, highlights that the incorporation of unique elements into their instruments does not follow a uniform routine across all birds; it involves an element of innovation.
In a hypothetical scenario likening humans to birds, there emerges a resemblance to parrots in certain aspects. Parrots, akin to humans and our primate counterparts, possess substantial brains, engage in intricate social interactions, and undergo extended periods of learning during their formative years.
However, unlike primates, most parrots are not typically associated with tool usage in their natural habitats. Auersperg underscores that the majority of studies on tool-using parrots have focused on individuals in captivity. For instance, her team's research revealed that wild-caught Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana), temporarily placed in a research aviary, exhibited advanced tool usage for foraging (Source: SN: 2/10/23).
Wild palm cockatoos, on the other hand, deviate remarkably from this norm. These captivating and endangered birds inhabit various regions in northern Australia and New Guinea. What sets them apart is their distinctive behavior, characterized by crafting and employing tools not for sustenance but as part of their courtship rituals—a rarity even among primate species.
During their elaborate mating displays, male palm cockatoos perch in trees within their territories, engaging in a musical performance that encompasses singing, twirling, and rhythmic drumming against the tree. This percussive element is typically executed using an instrument held in their left foot, which can be either a stick or a seed pod (Source: SN: 6/28/17). As part of this intricate display, the male meticulously fashions the instrument himself, with the female keenly observing as he deftly snaps off tree branches and shapes them to perfection. When combined with their striking black and red plumage and tall, spiked crests, this display closely resembles a natural counterpart to a rock concert.
Conservation biologist Rob Heinsohn, affiliated with the Australian National University in Canberra, asserts, "Those tapping displays actually have all the hallmarks of human music using instruments." He further emphasizes that each male palm cockatoo possesses a distinctive drumming style, with some opting for slow rhythms, others for rapid beats, and some infusing their performances with unique flourishes.
Intrigued by whether these musical birds extend their individualistic style to their instruments, Heinsohn and his team embarked on a two-year study within Australia's Kutini-Payamu National Park and the surrounding Aboriginal lands. They listened for the calls of displaying male cockatoos, which led them to 70 display trees. At these sites, they collected a total of 227 discarded drumsticks and 29 seed pod instruments that the birds had cast aside, akin to a musician smashing a guitar at the end of a performance.
Upon scrutinizing the instruments left behind by 12 individual cockatoos, the researchers unearthed evidence supporting the notion of individual preferences in instrument design. Drumstick length exhibited more substantial variation among the birds than would be expected by random chance. Some birds favored short and robust drumsticks, while others fashioned longer and more slender versions.
Heinsohn observes that each bird held its unique concept of what constituted a special drumstick. There existed numerous "different ways of getting it right — of being a good artist, both in their musical performance, but also in the crafting of these tools," he comments. He postulates that individuality, creativity, and the ability to stand out may play a crucial role in what female palm cockatoos seek in a mate.
While musical instruments enjoy widespread use across human cultures, and we frequently incorporate flashy items into our courtship rituals, other animals rarely employ tools for either music or mating displays. Moreover, scientists seldom encounter evidence of nonhuman toolmakers making individual creative choices.
Palm cockatoos introduce a triple layer of intrigue: with their distinctive styles in music and craftsmanship, these captivating birds serve as a compelling reminder that human distinctiveness may not be as unequivocal as it initially appears.