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Metafilter tags: Cockatoo, Cockatoos, PalmCockatoo, PalmCockatoos
Author: chariot pulled by cassowaries
The Palm Cockatoo is only found at the top of Cape York in Far North Queensland and drums on trees by fashioning its own musical instruments from wood and seed pods in a bid to attract potential mates or mark its territory. A study led by the Australian National University has shown another side to the parrots, finding that each bird methodically designs and decorates its musical tools according to individual taste. "We already knew that they have highly personalised rhythms when they drum, allowing other birds to recognise who is drumming from a long way away," lead author Professor Robert Heinsohn said.
"Now we know there is also highly individualised expression in the crafting of the tool. Watching them whittling their tools down to the shape they want is like watching a master wood sculptor at work."