Cockatoo Showing Off His ‘Brain Capacity' Leaves Everyone Laughing
Cockatoos are very smart birds: they're about as smart as a human toddler. However, they're as goofy as a human toddler, too. There's never a dull moment with a Cockatoo, even when you might want a little peace.
One Cockatoo recently showed everyone on TikTok his incredible brain capacity, and it was a sight to behold. It was almost like watching a loading screen on your favorite video gamer, but a little more handsome:
@geckoemmy A very scientific evaluation of the mental acuity of a cockatoo #cockatoos#funnyparrots#petbirds
For videos! Rejector weakness system - MoppySound
Gecko Emmy conducted a very scientific, totally legit evaluation of her Cockatoo in this video. He crushed it! His name is Mr. Shelby, and everyone on TikTok turned into his lawyer after his mom stated that his brain capacity is exactly 1 single cell.
What she failed to mention is that he actually shares that brain cell with every other Cockatoo on the planet. They really only have three modes:
- Dance
- Scream
- Snack time
Mr. Shelby goes through modes 1 and 2 in that video. If he had had a snack, it would have been totally perfect!
Related: Happy Cockatoo Goes 'Ball Crazy' With the Silliest Dance
He's definitely an adventurous eater, too. His mom offered him an icicle, and he was more than willing to try it:
@geckoemmy You're never going to believe what Shelby does with this icicle #funnyparrot#tastetesting#parrotfeeding
Comical, fun, cute, video background music(1124511) - Lill Lilly
I think he kind of liked it! He's definitely not as picky as his siblings!
Cockatoos Are Super Smart
Though they might not always act like it, Cockatoos are very intelligent birds! They're one of the smartest parrot species out there.
Cockatoos have about the mental capacity and vocabulary of a young child. They can mimic complex sounds and form nearly complete thoughts. They're also very trainable birds, and you can teach them a wide variety of tricks.
Even older Cockatoos can learn new things: with a 50-70 year lifespan, these birds are sharp as a tack for several decades! Mr. Shelby will catch up eventually!
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM.