In a resounding victory for Australia's avian citizens, the mellifluous warbling of the magpie has captured the hearts of the nation, claiming the top spot in the ABC's search for ‘Australia's Favourite Animal Sound’. With an impressive 36 per cent of the votes in the final round, the magpie's signature call has left a harmonious mark on the country's auditory landscape.

Dr. Dominique Potvin, an esteemed behavioural ecologist and senior lecturer in Animal Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, highlights the magpie's warble as an integral part of Australia's sonic identity. Not only does the magpie's song resonate through various regional dialects developed over generations, but its musical expression continues to evolve. Family groups of magpies collaborate in duets and choruses, using their songs to demarcate territories and communicate their presence.

Trailing behind the magpie's melodious reign, the distinctive 'laugh' of the kookaburra secured second place in the poll. Known for their cacophonous ensemble performances, kookaburras deploy their vocal prowess to establish and protect their boundaries. Dr. Potvin acknowledges the loss of this iconic sound in some areas due to urban development and habitat degradation, which underlines the importance of conserving these auditory treasures.

Reverberating in third place, the melodic and almost maniacal calls of the butcherbird captivated voters. Dr. Potvin emphasises the uniqueness of this sound, emanating from the typically subdued kingfisher family, making it a rarity in the avian world. Its intricate melodies reflect the special bond between a bird's acoustic expression and its environment.

Interestingly, the poll wasn't strictly avian-centric. The banjo frog hopped its way into seventh place, a testament to the indelible impression of its resonating 'bonk bonk' sound. Also making an appearance in the top ten was the distinctive chorus of cicadas, marking their place with their characteristic 'screeeeee.'

Associate Professor Jen Martin from the University of Melbourne points out the profound impact of certain animal sounds on our personal memories and experiences. She shares how the banjo frog's call evokes cherished childhood memories, emphasising that the poll encourages us all to pause, listen, and appreciate the rich soundscape that envelops us.

With over 150,000 votes cast, the poll not only unveiled Australia's favourite animal sounds but also reaffirmed the nation's connection to its natural surroundings. Dr. Potvin reminds us that the allure of the natural world lies in the soundscape it offers, providing respite from the hum of human-made noise.

The poll, conducted as part of National Science Week 2023, was orchestrated by ABC Science with funding from the Australian Government's ‘Inspiring Australia’ strategy. The results highlight the significance of protecting and cherishing these unique animal sounds that form a vital part of Australia's cultural and ecological heritage.

As we continue to journey through the intricate tapestry of Australia's auditory landscape, it becomes evident that the symphony of nature holds immense value – not just for our hearts, but for the survival of the species that create it. In a world filled with noise, these soul-soothing sounds remind us to pause, listen, and truly appreciate the incredible diversity of life that surrounds us.