Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

Black-backed Magpie— <i>Gymnorhina tibicen</i>, Lath.; called also <i>Flute-Bird</i> (q.v.).

Long-billed M.— <i>G. dorsalis</i>, Campbell.

White, or Organ M.— <i>G. organicum</i>, Gould; called also <i>Organ-bird</i> (q.v.).

White-backed M.— <i>G. leuconota</i>, Gould.

In Tasmania, the name is also applied to the—

Black Magpie—
<i>Strepera fuliginosa</i>, Gould; and
<i>S. arguta</i>, 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. The splendid melody of his morning and evening song is as unequalled as it is indescribable."

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

"Gay magpies chant the livelong day."