Swooping magpies can be avoided
For most of the year the Australian Magpies are wonderful neighbours.
Their carolling song is enjoyed by many in urban areas. And then, as the weather warms, they appear to turn nasty.
Magpie pairs breed in spring (August – October) and the magpies’ natural behaviour is to defend the territory around their nesting site. This can result in magpies swooping people, pets, other birds and animals they perceive as a threat to their young offspring.
Swooping occurs for around six weeks, commencing when the adult pair is nesting and concluding when the young leave the nest.
If you feel a swooping magpie has become a danger to people, it should be reported to the nearest National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) office or to Council, as well as the owner of the land on which it is swooping. NPWS can provide warning signs for you to put up. In extreme cases, they will authorise you to have a dangerous bird destroyed.
“I am always reluctant to discharge a firearm,” said Peter Skarlis, Senior Ranger for Leeton Shire Council. “There are other ways to manage swooping magpies and it should be the responsibility of their human neighbours to respect any change in their behaviour in spring.”
How to reduce your chances of being swooped:
- STAY CALM. Serious accidents can occur when people, particularly children, panic.
- Do not deliberately provoke or harass the birds as this may make them more aggressive.
- Do not throw things or lash out at the magpies.
- Walk through the magpie’s territory quickly – don’t run.
- Avoid the swooping area by taking an alternative route.
- Protect your head with a large, wide brim hat or carry an open umbrella. You can place glasses on the back of hats or umbrellas which may reduce the likelihood of the bird swooping
- Wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Watch the magpie while walking from the area. Magpies are less likely to swoop if you look at them.
- Make a temporary sign to warn others.
Bike riders can take the following precautions:
- If possible take an alternative route.
- Get off your bike and walk through the bird’s territory.
- Wear a helmet and sunglasses.
- Fit a bike flag to your bike.
Contact details
Peter Skarlis
Tel: 02 6953 0926
peters@leeton.nsw.gov.au
