Cockatoos have unexpectedly impressive dance repertoires

Dancing cockatoo videos are all over the internet, with the birds busting out moves to Elvis or rap. But how sophisticated are their steps? And are the birds dancing because it’s something they naturally enjoy, or is it imposed by humans?

Natasha Lubke is an animal scientist at Charles Sturt University, and led a project that’s taken a closer look at just how cockatoos dance.

She’s found a wonderfully complex set of moves, and joined us on the Thursday Daily to chat with Cameron Furlong.

Like to read more?

Article in The Conversation: Body rolls and headbanging: we found cockatoos have 30 different dance moves

Research paper in the PLOS (includes sketches of cockatoos’ steps):
Dance behaviour in cockatoos: Implications for cognitive processes and welfare