June 28, 2017 - Cockatoos share a surprising characteristic with humans - musical drumming. While studying wild male palm cockatoos, National Geographic grantee Robert Heinsohn discovered the birds use rhythmic drumming to attract mates. Each bird seems to have its own unique style of drumming with repeating patterns. Some of the birds even use tools to drum with, the only reported species other than humans to do so.
Click here to read more about the cockatoos. Footage courtesy:
Robert Heinsohn
National Geographic Committee for Research & Exploration