The Bird That Says 'Cheeseburger' Is the Magpie-Lark

The bird that famously says 'cheeseburger' is the Australian magpie-lark, often colloquially referred to as the 'pee-wee' due to its distinctive call that sounds remarkably like a human saying 'cheeseburger' or 'pee-wee.' This vocalization has led to widespread fascination and frequent online discussions around the phrase 'what bird says cheeseburger,' especially among birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and curious internet users. While no bird literally speaks English, the magpie-lark’s call is one of the most convincing examples of avian mimicry sounding like human speech, making it a standout example in both ornithological and cultural contexts.

Biology of the Magpie-Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca)

The magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) is a small passerine bird native to Australia, southern New Guinea, and parts of eastern Indonesia. Despite its name, it is not closely related to true magpies or larks but belongs to the Monarchidae family, which includes monarch flycatchers. These birds are approximately 26–28 cm in length, with striking black-and-white plumage: males have a black throat and white eyebrow, while females display a white throat and black eye stripe.

One of the most notable features of the magpie-lark is its complex vocal behavior. They are highly territorial and use song for communication between mates and to defend their space. Their duets—performed by male and female pairs—are synchronized and can be heard throughout the day, particularly at dawn and dusk. It is during these duets that the 'cheeseburger' sound typically emerges from the male's part of the call, creating a phonetic illusion that captures public imagination.

Why Does the Bird Sound Like It’s Saying 'Cheeseburger'?

The perception that a bird says 'cheeseburger' stems from auditory pareidolia—the brain's tendency to interpret random sounds as familiar patterns, especially human speech. The magpie-lark’s call consists of sharp, staccato notes delivered in a rhythmic pattern. When played back slowly or listened to carefully, the sequence 'chew-it-up, bur-ger' becomes apparent, leading many to hear 'cheeseburger.'

This phenomenon has gained traction through social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit, where clips of the bird’s call are shared under titles like 'bird that says cheeseburger' or 'Australian bird sounds like fast food order.' While humorous, these trends also highlight real biological traits: the species’ advanced vocal learning abilities and adaptability to urban environments.

Unlike parrots or mynas, which are known for mimicking human words directly, the magpie-lark does not imitate language. Instead, its natural call coincidentally resembles English syllables. This distinction is important for understanding what bird says cheeseburger—not because it learned the phrase, but because evolution shaped its voice in a way that aligns with human phonetics.

Habitat and Distribution

Magpie-larks thrive in open habitats including grasslands, farmlands, urban parks, and suburban gardens. They are commonly found near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and drainage ditches, where they build nests using mud and grass. Their adaptability to human-modified landscapes has allowed them to expand their range significantly over the past century.

In Australia, they are present year-round across all states except Tasmania. In northern regions, populations may shift slightly with seasonal rainfall, but they are largely non-migratory. Birdwatchers seeking to hear the 'cheeseburger' call should focus on early morning hours in open areas with scattered trees and access to moist soil for nesting.

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Grallina cyanoleuca
Common Names	Magpie-lark, Pee-wee, Murray Magpie
Vocalization Type	Duet calls; male produces 'cheeseburger'-like sound
Habitat	Open woodlands, urban areas, wetlands
Range	Australia, southern New Guinea, eastern Indonesia
Nesting Season	July to December (varies by region)
Diet	Insects, worms, spiders, seeds

Cultural Significance and Folklore

The magpie-lark holds a unique place in Australian culture. Known affectionately as the 'pee-wee,' it appears in children’s books, schoolyard rhymes, and even cricket broadcasts—its call was famously used as a background sound during ABC Test cricket coverage, sparking national recognition.

In Indigenous Australian traditions, the bird is sometimes seen as a messenger or trickster figure. Some Aboriginal groups associate its call with rain or changing seasons, viewing its presence as an indicator of environmental balance. The idea that the bird 'says cheeseburger' is, of course, a modern interpretation rooted more in internet humor than tradition, yet it reflects ongoing human fascination with animal communication.

Urban legends have emerged suggesting that magpie-larks were taught to say 'cheeseburger' by fast-food workers or that they repeat phrases heard in cities. There is no scientific evidence supporting this; the sound is entirely innate. However, the myth persists due to the uncanny resemblance and the viral nature of audio clips online.

How to Identify the 'Cheeseburger' Call in the Wild

For aspiring birders interested in hearing what bird says cheeseburger firsthand, here are practical tips:

• Time of Day: Listen during dawn and late afternoon when magpie-larks are most vocal.
• Location: Visit parks, sports fields, or rural roadsides with nearby water sources.
• Call Pattern: Focus on repetitive two-part calls: the male emits a high-pitched 'pee-wit' that drops into a lower tone, sounding like 'cheese-bur-ger.'
• Use Technology: Recordings available on platforms like Xeno-canto.org or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Macaulay Library can help train your ear.
• Pair Behavior: Watch for mated pairs hopping on the ground together—they often sing in coordination.

Apps like Merlin Bird ID (by Cornell Lab) allow you to record ambient sound and match it to known bird calls, increasing your chances of confirming a magpie-lark sighting—or rather, hearing.

Misconceptions About the 'Cheeseburger' Bird

Several myths surround the idea of a bird saying 'cheeseburger':

1. Misconception: The magpie-lark was trained to say 'cheeseburger.'
   Reality: The sound is completely natural and genetically programmed, not learned from humans.
2. Misconception: Only one bird makes this noise.
   Reality: All male magpie-larks produce similar calls, though slight regional dialects exist.
3. Misconception: The bird understands the word 'cheeseburger.'
   Reality: It has no concept of food items or language; the similarity is purely coincidental.
4. Misconception: The call is rare or endangered.
   Reality: The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and is common across its range.

Understanding these distinctions helps separate entertainment value from biological accuracy when exploring what bird says cheeseburger.

Comparison With Other Vocal Birds

While the magpie-lark’s claim to fame lies in accidental speech mimicry, other birds actively imitate human sounds:

• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo: Can learn to say full sentences and whistle tunes.
• Noisy Miner: Another Australian species with complex calls, sometimes mistaken for magpie-larks.
• Australian Magpie: Often confused with the magpie-lark, but larger and capable of sophisticated mimicry, including car alarms and human speech.
• Lyrebird: Famous for replicating chainsaws, camera shutters, and entire orchestral pieces.

However, none of these produce a sound as universally recognized as 'cheeseburger' without training. The magpie-lark remains unique in generating a widely shared auditory illusion through its natural call alone.

Tips for Responsible Birdwatching

If you're planning to observe magpie-larks in the wild, follow ethical guidelines to minimize disturbance:

• Maintain a respectful distance, especially during nesting season (spring in Australia).
• Avoid playing recorded calls excessively, as this can stress birds and disrupt mating behaviors.
• Do not feed them human food—even if they seem to ask for a cheeseburger!
• Report sightings to citizen science databases like eBird to contribute to conservation efforts.

Remember, while the phrase 'what bird says cheeseburger' might start as a joke, appreciating the biology behind it deepens our connection to nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bird makes a sound like 'cheeseburger'?

The Australian magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) produces a call that sounds like 'cheeseburger,' especially the male's part of the duet.

Where can I hear the bird that says 'cheeseburger'?

You can hear it throughout mainland Australia, particularly in open urban and rural areas during morning and evening hours.

Can magpie-larks actually talk?

No, they do not understand or mimic human language. The 'cheeseburger' sound is a coincidence of their natural vocalizations.

Is the 'cheeseburger' bird endangered?

No, the magpie-lark is abundant and classified as Least Concern by conservation authorities.

Are magpie-larks the same as Australian magpies?

No, they are different species. Magpie-larks are smaller and belong to a different bird family than the larger, black-and-white Australian magpie.