July to December is Magpie breeding season and during this time, magpies can be very defensive in their territories, which often creates conflict between magpies and humans. Here’s some easy tips to avoid disturbing them and keeping you safe.
Magpies will swoop low to ward off perceived threats to their young. Their perceived threat zone can be more than 100 metres around a nest site. Magpies swooping to ward off potential threats are just doing what’s natural, but sometimes it can result in the birds making physical contact with walking and cycling humans, including pecking and scratching.
What can you do to protect yourself and others?
- Avoid entering magpie territories if possible
- If you are swooped by a magpie, do not run, stop or do erratic movements – this can result in more aggression from magpies
- Never touch or go near young magpies on the ground
- Never feed or leave food in magpie areas
- Never throw objects at magpies or destroy their nests, as this is both illegal and will increase aggression
If you enter a magpie territory:
- Wear a hat or use an umbrella
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Watch magpies while walking quickly away from their zone
- Keep an eye on the birds – magpies are less likely to attack if they know you are watching them
For cyclists:
- ‘Eye’ stickers or plastic faces with big eyes stuck on helmets can be effective
- Waving a stick or fitting a flexible pole on your bike can deter magpies
- Dismounting and walking is often the best option
Magpies, like all native Australian fauna and flora, are a protected species under the state law Nature Conservation Act 1992. Penalties apply for attempting to harm them or destroy their nests.