Media release

Spring is high season for swooping magpie attacks but a wildlife expert from the Australian Veterinary Association has some helpful tips to help you avoid becoming the target of an attack this year.

“It’s high season for swooping attacks. Birds defend their young in nests where they often incubate eggs for up to three weeks and then spend about three weeks raising their chicks,” said Dr Anne Fowler a wildlife expert from the Australian Veterinary Association.

“Fast moving objects such as people on bikes and anyone who moves directly towards their nests are perceived as threats and are likely to be swooped on. Dog walkers are also a common target.

“Native Australian birds such as magpies, butcherbirds, kookaburras and plovers are common culprits, but invasive species like Indian Mynas can also be highly aggressive at this time of year,” she said.

Dr Fowler says that if you’re perceived as a threat you’re likely to be attacked, magpies in particular generalised about an attacked, which can include anyone wearing a helmet, people on bikes or even small children.

“At this time of year tolerance is the best policy. Think about using different pathways because moving the bird is not an option as it can cause the death of the bird,” she said.

“Don’t try to scare off the bird. Wildlife is protected and this type of action could lead to a more serious and sustained attack. We’re lucky to live in a country where we share our suburbs with such amazing birds, so we simply need to find a way to live in harmony.

 “You can also consider carrying an umbrella which can be raised to fend off a sustained attack, and if you’re riding a bike getting off and walking in the danger areas can help reduce the chance of an attack,” she said.