The Aussie Magpie Poem by Francis Duggan

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.