FOOTAGE of a magpie in Newcastle imitating a call that sounds remarkably similar to emergency services sirens has gone viral as the state's bushfire epidemic shows little sign of slowing.
Gregory Andrews shared the footage with social media group Australian Native Birds on Boxing Day.
"This is one of the coolest things ever," Mr Andrews wrote. "Today I met an Australian magpie in Newcastle NSW which had learned to sing the calls of fire-engines and ambulances."
Mr Andrews' footage has since spread across the internet and news organisations as the state of emergency deepens in parts of the state.
Magies are known for their ability to mimic other birds present in their territory and have been known to imitate human speech.
Newcastle magpie's mimicry of a fire engine siren goes viral
