Recorded 2.30pm, Thursday 9 December 2021, South Bathurst NSW Australia
Recorded on my phone from my front door, with only one edit (31 seconds in), as I moved the phone. Total length: 1:08
This is a sound recording I made of a Magpie sitting on my roof... I've tried to record it before, but it always flew off as soon as I got near the door. The recording ended as it started to rain, and the sound of the rain on my tin roof obliterated any other sounds.
It only seems to 'sing' like this as it rains. Interesting!
I've heard it three or four times now recently, and it's sounded much louder and more diverse than this... it has even done a complete Kookaburra call!
➽ Magpies typically mimic other living creatures, Professor Kaplan says. "They seem to develop a soundscape of their own territory," she says. If there is a horse in their territory, they might mimic its neighing and do it very well. "They can do a dog bark — of any kind of breed."
(Source)
Image source (and more info):
28 October 2025
It's back, and amazing as ever.
27 August 2025
It came back again. Delightful.
10 February 2025
Amidst a bounteous glut of summer rain that fell this day, my 'Magpie Mimic' reappeared with all its wonderous vocal dexterity.
17 January 2024
It came back during our recent glorious heavy rainfall!
27 November 2023
During the rainfall this week, I heard it quite plainly, perched atop my roof again.
► Article: Magpie swoops in and claims the title of Australia's favourite animal sound.
► Article: What sound does a Magpie make? You'd be surprised.
Updated: 29 Sept 2022
Magpie Map
Bathurst now has its own "Magpie Map", to keep an eye on the 'swoopers'!
Whether you’re a cyclist, walker, runner or just a concerned member of the public - help protect other community members by sharing the locations of birds of concern.
This map was created to help the community avoid magpies - leave them alone, and they’ll likely leave you alone.
Mal says: I've never had the pleasure of being swooped by a Magpie, thankfully. As crazy as it sounds, I always talk and say hello to the local magpies here, all year round, so they recognize me. It seems to work for me.Oh yes... I'm the crazy old man who talks to the birds... [laffs].
Peas be with ewe
Mal
Mal
