Why do magpies swoop in spring?
Australian magpies swoop in spring to protect their eggs and chicks. Only a small proportion of males swoop, and they usually do so within about 100 metres of their nest.
Magpies breed from about August to November. During this time, some males see people, cyclists and pets near the nest as threats and swoop at them from behind, clacking their beaks. Most swooping stops once the chicks leave the nest.
Studies suggest that most magpies never swoop at all. Individual birds may target certain types of people, such as cyclists or pedestrians, and can recognise faces they have seen before.
How to avoid being swooped
Experts suggest avoiding known nesting areas, walking rather than riding through them, wearing a hat or sunglasses, and not harassing the birds. Councils often put up warning signs near swooping hotspots.
The Australian magpie is a protected native bird and is not related to the European magpie. It is famous for its rich, warbling song, often heard at dawn.
Magpies live in family groups that defend territories all year.
Did You Know?
Websites such as Magpie Alert let people map swooping hotspots during the breeding season.