Why do magpies swoop?

For most of the year, magpies are not aggressive, but for four to eight weeks around spring (August to October), they will often defend their territory vigorously. This is when the adult pair is nesting and have young. This defensive period ends when the young leave the nest.

People walking past may be seen as “invaders” of the territory, prompting the magpies to fly low and fast over the person, clacking their bills as they pass overhead.

Magpies are protected throughout NSW, and it is against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs, or harm their young. 

In addition to magpies, the following other birds may also swoop:

• Noisy Minor: This bold and curious bird is common across Penrith. They breed in colonies and several broods may be reared during a single season.
• Plover: Also known as a Masked Lapwing. This common bird has a yellow spur they use when diving at potential predators or intruders during breeding season while chicks are running around or when the eggs are just about to hatch. While these attacks are quite unnerving, the birds seldom actually strike their ‘victims’, preferring a close approach to scare them away.
• Pied Butcherbird: This is a medium-sized bird. The female constructs a nest and incubates the eggs alone and is fed by the male and other members of the group. These accompanying birds protect the nest.

What can you do?

• Change your route - Avoid walking in the area when birds are nesting.
• If you’ve entered an area unintentionally and they begin to swoop, walk away quickly whilst keeping an eye on the bird as they are less likely to swoop if you look directly at them.
• Protect your head - Wear a helmet or hat. Drawing eyes on your hat will also help deter them.
• Carry an open umbrella.
• Do not harass wildlife – Don’t interfere, swing anything, throw rocks or harm a magpie as this will provoke an attack.
• Council erects signs in known areas to warn the public.

Where can I learn more?

• Magpies swooping. National Parks and Wildlife 
• Survival guide: magpie swooping season. CSIRO 
• Australian Magpie: Biology and Behaviour of an Unusual Songbird. Gisela Kaplan.
• Australian Magpie DEH
• Noisy Miner - BirdLife Australia
• Masked Lapwing - BirdLife Australia
• Pied Butcherbird - BirdLife Australia