Dynamic object–fruit combinations by introduced Tanimbar corellas (Cacatua goffiniana) in Singapore

Abstract

Abstract Tanimbar corellas, an important model in comparative cognition research, are endemic to the Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia, but were also introduced to several other locations with a tropical climate. Introduced psittacines offer valuable opportunities to test hypotheses at large temporal and spatial scales, such as geographic distribution of behaviours. Here, we report two opportunistic observations of Tanimbar corellas combining small wooden fragments with two types of tropical fruit (Ketapang and Pong-pong) in Singapore. The observations were recorded and uploaded to YouTube by a local bird-watcher. We analyse the behavioural similarities and differences between object combinations with the Pong-pong fruit in Singapore and extractive tool use on the Wawai fruit in Indonesia. Repeated insertions of the wooden fragment into the fruit and visible ingestion suggest that the combinatory behaviours were most likely related to foraging. This report provides first insights into the presence of advanced technical abilities in geographically separated Tanimbar corellas.