Residents should be aware that magpies can become protective of their chicks during spring and may swoop on people who pass near their nests.
While magpies are not usually aggressive, this protective behaviour can occur for several weeks between September and November.
Magpies are generally peaceful birds, valued for their role in controlling insect populations and are well known for their distinctive and pleasant warbling calls.
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.
If you feel a magpie is a risk to public safety that cannot be adequately mitigated by these measures report it to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on 1300 072 757.
More Information
- Australian Magpies (NPWS website)
