The “extremely dangerous” birds ruffling feathers in South Sydney

Magpie swooping season has started early this year - but experts say there’s no reason to be afraid of the birds. Here’s how to avoid becoming a target.

A sign has appeared in a Sydney park warning locals of birds that “may attack”, confirming the worst fears of many Australians.

Almost every Aussie has a magpie swooping story, and it seems it’s that time of year again.

So far, 2023 has seen 238 magpie attacks with 26 injuries according to Magpie Alert, a map that documents magpie attacks across Australia.
The Bayside Council in Sydney’s south said that they’re aware of one magpie attack in the Ramsgate area this year and have put up warning signs.

A cyclist in Canberra captured this stunning image of a magpie swooping using a GoPro attached to his helmet. Picture: Reddit/brisstlenose

A sign in Scarborough park, south of Sydney’s CBD, urges locals to be cautious of swooping birds.

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

While warning signs appearing in August may seem like an early shock, Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager ar Bird Life Australia, told news.com.au that magpies can swoop from as early as July.

This year, reported swoopings began from the end of last month.

“It always sneaks up on us,” Dooley said, adding that while reports in August are not unusual, the attacks “certainly ramp up” leading into September - the dreaded peak swooping season.

While 90 per cent of magpies don’t swoop, professor Darryl Jones from Griffith University said that the birds are “extremely dangerous”.

“Every year, people lose eyes to magpies and there are hundreds of terrible cyclist accidents as people try to avoid being hit,” Jones told news.com.au.

“It is a serious threat.”

While it may be hard to sympathise with the birds as they peck at your head, Jones explained that male magpies swoop to protect their young.

“Those that do (swoop) are trying to keep people - and anything that they regard as a threat to their chicks - away from the babies,” he said.

“Swooping is therefore a kind of anti-predator behaviour, so they mean business.”

The birds typically swoop within a three week period, and usually stick within 100m of their nest.

They also have an excellent memory, Dooley explained, so if you throw a stick at them - even outside of swooping season - they’ll remember your face for next time.

16/6/22. Warning signs have been erected near the State Administration building on 200 Victoria Square for a swooping Magpie-lark. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Luckily, this logic also applies to positive experiences. If you’re particularly worried about being attacked, it might be a good idea to befriend the birds outside of swooping season.

Feeding magpies is a great way to get on their good side, though only if the birds “know you personally”.

“They can recognise 2-30 people by their facial features, and so if for whatever reason they start to swoop one of these people, it is possible to take away their aggressive response by feeding them,” Jones told news.com.au.

“This won’t work, however, if there are too many people for them to remember.”

Dooley added that while feeding magpies isn’t necessarily recommended, if you do wish to go down that route, you should be conscious of what you feed them.

Though commerically available wild bird products are best, quality cat or dog food is a safe second.

“That has a much better balance of nutrients than raw meat. Even with lean mince, the balance between calcium and phosphorous isn’t ideal,” Dooley explained.

Where you feed the magpies is also crucial, as you may put your pets at risk of being attacked.

“It’s important not to feed the magpies where you feed your pets as they will start to steal the dog or cat’s food and open themselves up to being attacked,” he said.

Magpie season is underway with swooping becoming more frequent in Gladstone. Photo Christopher Chan / The Observer

However, befriending the - at times, violent - birds isn’t always an option, particularly if you’re caught off guard walking near a nest.

So, if you haven’t had the chance to share a pack of dog food with the magpie in question and find yourself in the danger zone, Jones recommends making eye contact.

“Back away as quickly as possible, while facing the bird. They almost never attack if you are looking at them. Otherwise, hold a stick or umbrella above your head as this will deter them from making contact.”

If you’re on a bike, you’re likely to be targeted due to your speed.

Putting spikes on helmets may help, but the best thing to do is get off your bike and walk out of the area, Dooley explained, even though it may seem “counterintuitive”.