How to avoid magpie swooping this spring

‘Only foolproof way’ to avoid magpie swooping

Words: Madeleine Achenza

A bird expert declares there’s only “one foolproof way” to avoid getting swooped by magpies this spring. Here’s everything you need to know. Source: Storyful

What months do magpies swoop?

Birdlife Australia national public affairs manager Sean Dooley said the first report of swooping this year was in early August, but “peak swooping season” is usually September.

Why do they swoop?

Swooping begins as soon as baby magpies begin to hatch. It’s only the males that swoop and they are swooping because they’re protecting their babies in the nest. “They think if you’re walking past and that you’re a threat,” Dooley says.

Do they actually remember human faces?

They actually can. Studies show that they can remember more than 30 human faces… which can also be problematic if they have a grudge against you.

What’s the best way to avoid being swooped?

The only “foolproof method” is to make sure the magpie knows that you’re a friend, and the only foolproof method there is if you’re feeding them, says Dooley.

“They basically won’t swoop you unless they perceive you as a threat.”

However, Mr Dooley was sure to clarify that “not all magpies” swoop. “Magpies get a bit of a bad wrap,” he said. Only typically about 10 per cent of male magpies swoop humans.

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