Topsie, there have been postings elsewhere on Mudcat (some in Liz' earlier thread about her tits) detailing the differences between what northern hemisphereans call magpies and what Australians call magpies. You're right; ours are different from yours. If I had the wit to do it I'd try to find a link so you could hear but I've not yet mastered the technique.

Some years ago I conducted an informal survey asking people,
"What would be the first sound that came to mind if I said the word "Australia" to you?"

Overwhelmingly the response was "Magpies in the morning." Some mentioned bellbirds, some kookaburras and some gave the well known Australian crow call. Most of these people were from SE Oz. One, a West Australian, said "Red sand." Understandable, if you're been there.

Cheers, Rowan