Be Aware of Swooping Birds

It’s magpie breeding season and some protective parents are out defending their nests. 

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is urging Western Australians to look out for swooping birds, such as magpies.

From August to December, it is the nesting season for magpies. Occasionally, male magpies become territorial to protect their young and may swoop if they believe the nest or offspring are in danger.

The following steps can be followed to avoid or reduce the impact of a swooping magpie:

• Never deliberately provoke or harass a magpie. Throwing sticks or stones usually makes them more defensive. Magpies have good memories and they may continuously swoop a potential aggressor.
• Avoid areas where magpies are known to swoop. Remember, magpie hostility lasts only a few weeks and they usually only defend a small area of about 100m radius around their nest.
• If you are riding a bike, make sure you wear a helmet, and dismount and walk through nesting magpie territory.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses or carry an umbrella for protection. Magpies initially attack from behind but can swoop back around.
• Drive or walk with children.
• Prepare yourself and children what to do if swooped.