Adelaide City Council erects warning signs over Murray magpie swooping near State Administration Centre

Warning signs have been erected in the city over a pesky peewee with a penchant for dive-bombing pedestrians – and pollies.

A mischievous Murray magpie has been causing havoc near the State Administration Centre, forcing Adelaide City Council to erect warning signs.

The Council has been working with the Environment Department to control the bird, which has been swooping on passers-by and the occasional vehicle.

Two weeks ago, a group of journalists were waiting for Cabinet ministers to leave a meeting when it attacked a TV reporter, causing a minor injury to his face.

Other accounts of the bird’s penchant for diving from above have been circulating, with various accounts of pedestrians having to take cover.

This pesky peewee has been wreaking havoc near the State Administration building. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Also known as piping shrikes, magpie-larks, mudlarks and peewees (or “swoopy boiz”), these distinctive black and white birds are widely regarded as South Australia’s official emblem.

Ironically, a large metallic version of the emblem hangs in the foyer of the State Administration Centre, only metres from where the Murray magpie has been conducting its aerial dive bombing.

The building is home to Premier Peter Malinauskas and his department, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan and his department, government media advisors and various other public servants.

The bird’s antics have been the subject of multiple water cooler discussions between them in recent weeks.

Signs warning about the Murray magpie swooping people near Victoria Square. Picture: Colin James

Council city operations associate director Garry Herdegen said Council was “aware of the behaviour of some magpie-larks in the north west corner of Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga”.

“We have installed signs in the area warning people the birds may swoop,” he said.

“The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is responsible for managing native birds so we are working with DEW to manage the situation.”

The warning signs tell people to protect themselves by “being alert” to the presence of the birds.

If swooped on, Council suggests “raising an umbrella”. Bike helmets are also recommended. Picture: Keryn Stevens

The magpie-larks near Victoria Square are not to be trusted! Picture: Keryn Stevens

If swooped on, Council suggests “raising an umbrella, stick, arm over your head”.

Other recommended forms of protection include “wearing a hat, bike helmet, glasses” and, if cycling, “get off bike and walk”.

Most ominously, they also advise against throwing anything at the Murray magpie.

“It may attack more vigorously,” say the signs.

Any move to destroy the bird requires an order from the Department of Environment as it is a protected species.