Swooping Native Birds

As spring and summer are the nesting season of many birds, during this time, some species may become protective and swoop residents that venture too close their nesting site. Although the most well-known bird for displaying swooping behaviour is the Australian Magpie, other native birds species have also been known to swoop, including the Masked Lapwing (Plover), Butcherbird, Torresian Crow and Noisy Miner. All of these native birds are protected species under state legislation. Penalties apply for attempting to harm them.

Only a small percentage of birds (in the case of magpies, less than 10%) swoop humans. These occurrences usually occur within 150 metres of their nest. This is normal defensive behaviour as the bird is trying to protect its eggs or newly hatched young in the nest. Research suggests that most aggressive magpies have previously had a negative interaction with humans, e.g. people have thrown stones or sticks at them, their chicks or nests.

How to Protect Yourself from Swooping Native Birds

Most swooping birds are harmless and merely aim at driving away the intruder not to cause injury. However, some individuals do make contact and can hurt passers-by. Magpies and other native birds sometimes recognise and target certain people over and over again. They also tend to be particularly bothered by cyclists.

There are a few simple ways everybody can help to avoid being swooped including:

• Avoid areas where birds are breeding and nesting for the duration of the breeding season. Birds swoop to scare the intruder away from the nest, not to cause injury. Leave the area as quickly as possible and the bird should stop swooping.
• Cyclists should dismount their bikes and walk away. It is believed the birds respond mainly to movement.
• Protect yourself with glasses, a sturdy hat or umbrella.
• Watch the bird while walking away quickly. It is less likely to swoop if it knows you're watching.
• Do not interfere with the birds or their nest as this may increase swooping behaviour.
• Never harass or provoke birds as this may lead to a worse occurrence next time.
• Do not try to kill or cause injury to the birds, remove nests or eggs.
• Never approach or pick up a young bird. Young magpies spend a lot of time on the ground and are usually under the watchful eye of a parent.

If you are riding your bike, you can:

• Wave a stick or fit a flexible pole to your bicycle.
• Dismount and walk.
• Stick eye spots, a plastic face and/or zip ties on your helmet.

What Council can do to help during Bird Breeding Season

During the breeding season, Council receives notifications about swooping birds. A preliminary assessment of the location will then be undertaken. Factors taken into consideration to determine the level of risk and action taken will include, whether the location is a public or private space (Council cannot take action on private property), frequency and intensity of swooping and if it's in a high pedestrian use location. In some cases, this means erecting warning signs so that people are aware of the risk and can adjust their behaviour or avoid the area.

Further Information about Native Birds

More information about magpies is available from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection's website.