The Willie Wagtail is Australia’s best-loved and best-known fantail.  And that tail wags constantly — side to side — as its owner scurries across the lawn seeking insects for a snack.  Wagtails don’t mind us humans, but aggressively defend their own territories against feathered interlopers.  You can tell the wagtail by its call that’s heard night and day; it sounds like “sweet-pretty-creature”. 

Willie Wagtail

Sweet pretty creature, 

sweet pretty creature,

that’s the sound of your call.

Sweet pretty creature,

sweet pretty creature,

the sweetest call of all.

Sweet pretty creature,

sweet pretty feature,

we love your wagging walk.

Sweet pretty creature,

sweet pretty creature,

if only you could talk.