Swooping Birds
Local birds such as magpies, mudlarks and willie wagtails are known to ‘swoop’ people and pets in defence of their nest and chicks.
Swooping includes a bird flying over your head as a warning or can include contact from a bird’s beak or claws as they fly past.
Swooping season in the Midwest is typically between August and November when these birds are nesting and raising chicks.
How to avoid being swooped
If you are walking or riding past parks, reserves or areas where there are tall trees, or known swooping territories, it is recommended that you:
- wear sunglasses, a hat (preferably broad brimmed) or bike helmet to protect your head and face. Umbrellas are also an option.
- walk your bike through the area instead of riding
- walk in a group rather than individually
- walk quickly and calmly
- Take an alternative route
Living with swooping birds
It is important to remember that swooping birds are only trying to protect their nests and young, and swooping season is only for a short period of the year. Even City staff and volunteers at the Community Nursery are having to be wary of a nesting Willy Wagtail!
It can be an intimidating experience being swooped by a bird. Magpies, in particular, can continue swooping up to 100m from their nest. If you find yourself being swooped, try not to panic.
- Don’t wave your arms around or throw objects such as sticks and rocks. Birds such as magpies can perceive this as a bigger threat, and they are very intelligent and can remember faces. It is also illegal to harm native wildlife.
- Walk quickly and calmly, do not run, out of the area.
Photo: Willie Wagtail nesting at the City’s Community Nursery.
Helpful Resources
For more information on swooping birds and living with native wildlife can be found on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website.
Other useful resources include: