The Aussie Magpie

The Aussie magpie is a true Australian His flute like notes once heard you can't mistake I've often heard him singing in the moonlight In very early Spring before daybreak. The Aussie magpie is a fearless fellow And when on attack he is not one to pretend He and his wife have even injured people When they had eggs or nestlings to defend. The magpies build their nest of wire and sticks and plastics On higher branch of gum or deciduous tree Where the female lays her eggs brown spotted bluish And from the ground their nest not hard to see. From late Summer to Midwinter this renowned songster Is not inclined to defend territory He pals around with other Aussie magpies And they live in flocks as one big family. In Spring and Summer and through the Fall and Winter The magpie sings the twelve months of the year And even when the temperature's at zero Those distinct flute like notes you often hear. I often heard him singing in the moonlight Towards end of Winter hours before daybreak The silver billed white backed Australian magpie His flute like notes you never could mistake.