magpie

n.

a black-and-white Crow-Shrike,present all over Australia. He resembles the English Magpie ingeneral appearance, but has not the long tail of that bird,though he shares with him his kleptomania. He is often calledthe Bush-magpie (q.v.) by townsfolk, to distinguish himfrom the tamed specimens kept in many gardens, or in cages,which are easily taught to talk. The species are – – Black-backed Magpie – – Gymnorhina tibicen, Lath.; called also Flute-Bird (q.v.).

♣ Long-billed M. – – G. dorsalis, Campbell.

♣ White, or Organ M. – – G. organicum, Gould; called also Organ-bird (q.v.).

♣ White-backed M. – – G. leuconota, Gould.

In Tasmania, the name is also applied to the – – Black Magpie – – Strepera fuliginosa, Gould; and S. arguta, Gould.

1859. H. Kingsley, `Geoffr/e/y Hamlyn,' vol. ii. p. 314[Footnote]:

«Magpie, a large, pied crow.Of all the birds I have ever seen,the cleverest, the most grotesque, and the most musical. Thesplendid melody of his morning and evening song is asunequalled as it is indescribable.»

1869. B. Hoare, `Figures of Fancy,' p. 97:

«Gay magpies chant the livelong day.»

1886. T. Heney, `Fortunate Days,' p. 47:

«The magpie swells from knoll or silent brake

His loud sweet tune.»

1887. `Melbourne Punch,' March 31:

«The magpie maketh mute

His mellow fluent flute,

Nor chaunteth now his leuconotic hymn.»