The joy of song: where songbirds came from and why we should listen to them

By Hollis Taylor, Research Affiliate, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney

In 2001, I had an epiphany while making my first trip to Australia.

Walking across a remote sheep station in the dusty west, my ears were suddenly filled with the rich, spirited song of three pied butcherbirds.

Together, their voices wafted through the air like a hauntingly beautiful flute. That was the first time I encountered a trio of singing birds. I was instantly captivated.

Almost three decades later, I’ve built a career as a musician, composer and

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