Gray Fantails Poem by Francis Duggan

With tail outspread the gray fantail he flies around and round
And devours insects as he fly eight foot above the ground
He never seems to venture far he circles the one spot
And fill his tiny hungry craw on mozzie, fly and moth.

The gray fantails are common birds and by that i mean to say
That to me they are a common sight i see them every day
I see them at the woodland edge in feathers dark and gray
Eight foot or so above the ground like butterflies at play.

The gray fantail's a tiny bird scarce large as red browed finch
And if a tape were put to him he'd scarce measure four inch
But he's a brave one for his size and man he does not fear
He keeps on flitting round and round whilst i am standing near.

The gray fantail a restless bird though favourite bird of mine
I see them at the woodland edge in rain or in sun shine
They seldom seem to take a rest chase insects all the day
Eight foot or so above the ground like butterflies at play