If you were starting a band in the animal kingdom you'd put an Australian palm cockatoo on the drums.

New research from The Australian National University (ANU) shows when it comes to percussion, the elusive bird from Cape York Peninsula in far North Queensland is a rhythm pro.

The palm cockatoo looks like a rockstar bird but research shows they are talented percussionists able to keep the beat and craft their own drumsticks. Credit:Christina N. Zdenek, BSc. MSc.

The endangered birds drum, keep a consistent beat, and craft their own drumsticks used just as humans to amplify their sound.

Professor Rob Heinsohn said the palm cockatoo's ability to drum had been known for a long time but his seven year study was the first research to secure footage to closely analyse the drumming displays which had hallmarks of human music.