Residents should be aware of magpies during spring when they become very protective of their chicks and can swoop on people passing their nests.
Magpies are not usually aggressive, but for six to eight weeks between August and October, they can swoop to keep suspected predators – which includes humans – away from the nest while the babies are young.
The protective behaviour lasts only a few weeks.
For the rest of the year the magpie is peaceful and valuable as an insect eater, renowned for its pleasant warbling.
There are a few things that people can do to reduce risks:
- walk away from the area and warn others about risky locations
- don’t provoke the birds
- wear a hat or helmet to protect your head
- hold an umbrella or stick above your head to deter attacks but don’t swing it at the magpie as this will only provoke it to attack
- hurry past nesting sites confidently and quickly or better still, avoid nesting sites
- if on a bike, dismount to avoid falling off, and move away quickly.
Magpies are protected and it is against the law to kill them, collect their eggs, or harm their young.
Further information about magpies
If you feel a magpie is a risk to public safety that cannot be adequately mitigated by these measures report the matter to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on 1300 072 757.
