Victorians are in the firing line as magpie season kicks off

More than 120 Victorians have reported being swooped this year, with this figure to climb as the state enters the peak period. Read how to stay safe.

Magpie swooping season has got off to a horror start, with more than 120 Victorians reporting they’ve been targeted by the protective species since May this year.

Cyclists, walkers and even those on e-scooters have found themselves in the firing line of the black and white bird, with the number of attacks expected to rise as Victoria enters Spring.

Here’s how to steer clear of swooping magpies as the season approaches its peak.

Why do magpies swoop?

Like most parents, Magpies will do whatever it takes to care for their young, especially when they see humans in their territory.

Swooping usually occurs on two occasions: when magpie chicks are nesting or after the young have fledged. This is because they are most vulnerable to predators.

Despite 14 per cent of attacks reported to national database Magpie Alert resulting in injury, most swooping magpies aren’t aggressive rather are just defensive.

“Magpies are highly intelligent birds that swoop to protect their young from perceived predators,” a Wildlife Victoria spokesperson said.

“Breeding season occurs throughout Spring though swooping behaviour usually only occurs for a few weeks while birds have young nesting.”

Magpie at the end of Granville Street, Wilston. Picture: Liam Kidston

Magpies are also known to have great memories and usually remember who they swoop and why.

Thus if you’ve been swooped before, there is a chance you will be targeted again especially if you frequent the area you were attacked.

Areas to watch out for

While September is peak magpie swooping season, the bird is known to sometimes target humans earlier in the year.

One factor could be due to the start of the breeding season, which usually occurs between June and December, according to Wildlife Victoria.

The Australian bird typically resides in areas with a suitable tree canopy, including parks, agricultural areas, sports playing fields and in the bush.

Recent reports to Magpie Alert indicate magpies are swooping mostly in Greater Melbourne with other attacks recorded on the Mornington Peninsula and Corio Bay inland.

Meanwhile, suburbs where attacks have resulted in injury include Moonee Ponds, Mickleham, Keilor Park, Warragul and Coburg.

“The good news – magpies tend to nest in the same areas each year which makes identifying potential swooping spots easier,” a Wildlife Victoria spokesperson said.

Magpies are out in force this year, with more that 120 swoopings already recorded. Picture: Magpie Alert

How to protect yourself from swooping magpies

While sometimes it’s hard to avoid magpie swooping areas, there are ways you can prevent and protect yourself from being swooped.

Wildlife Victoria suggests wearing a hat and sunglasses at the back of your head while walking in their pathway as they typically swoop from behind.

“If you do need to travel through magpie territory, Wildlife Victoria recommends walking slowly – those most likely to be swooped are cyclists and runners as speed is seen as predacious,” a spokesperson said.

Other tips include using a clear umbrella as you enter a swoop zone and waving a leafy branch around to deter them from swooping.