Being chased by an aggressive magpie can be a scary experience. Magpies are highly intelligent birds that are known for their swooping behavior during nesting season. While a magpie attack is unlikely to cause serious injury, they can still give a nasty peck or scratch. Knowing how to react and prevent magpie attacks can help reduce your risk of being swooped.
Why do magpies swoop?
Magpie swooping occurs when the birds are guarding their nests and young chicks. Swooping peaks between August and October when the magpie breeding season is at its height. They will aggressively defend their nest by trying to scare away any perceived threats. Unfortunately, unsuspecting passersby often become targets.
Magpies identify potential threats through movement and proximity. Walking or riding a bike through magpie territory during breeding season can provoke an attack. They also seem to remember and target certain individuals, meaning the same people and cyclists may be repeatedly swooped over several weeks or months.
When are magpies most aggressive?
Magpie attacks are most frequent in the early mornings and evenings when their defenses are heightened. However, swooping can occur at any time of day. Here are the key times to be wary:
- Early morning as magpies leave the nest to feed
- Evening return to roost for the night
- Young have recently fledged the nest
- Mating season from late August to early October
Where are magpie hotspots?
Magpie swooping tends to occur in urban areas close to parks and bushland. Look out for warning signs indicating you are entering magpie nesting territory. Popular magpie attack zones include:
- School routes where children walk or ride bikes
- Public parks and gardens
- Sports ovals and fields
- University and college campuses
- Picnic areas with large trees
- Nature strips and streets lined with trees
How to react during a magpie attack
Staying calm is important when being swooped by a magpie. While the experience is frightening, injuries are rare provided you do not panic. Here is what to do if a magpie starts diving at you:
1. Protect your head and eyes
Magpies tend to aim for the head, especially the eyes. Protect yourself by holding your hands above your head or wearing a wide-brimmed hat. You can also carry an umbrella or stick to deter attacks.
2. Walk or ride swiftly through the area
Do not run, as running away can encourage further chasing. Maintain a steady swift pace moving through the magpie’s territory until you are clear of the area. Keep small children close to you and within the umbrella’s protection.
3. Do not act aggressively
Shouting, waving arms, or making sudden movements will only provoke the magpie further. Stay calm and quietly make your way out of the territory.
4. Ask someone to walk with you
Magpies are less likely to swoop larger groups. Having someone accompany you through known swooping zones can help deter attacks.
5. Wear sunglasses and a hat for eye protection
Sunglasses and hats help guard your eyes against the magpie’s pecking. Broad-rimmed hats are best or you can wear a bike helmet with sunglasses.
6. Carry a stick or umbrella above your head
Use a stick or umbrella as a physical deterrent to prevent the magpie from swooping your head and face. Hold the stick above you but do not swing at the bird.
7. Keep moving until you are well clear of the area
Do not stop or detour down a different street. Continue moving steadily through the magpie’s territory until you are completely clear of the attacking bird.
8. Note swooping hotspots to avoid in future
Take note if there are certain areas you get swooped each time such as a tree-lined street or wooded park. Consider alternative routes during magpie season.
9. Report aggressive magpies to local authorities
You can report swooping magpies to your local council or Department of Conservation. This helps them take action and warn others.
10. Seek medical attention for any injuries
Magpies can sometimes break skin and cause bleeding with their beaks. If you do sustain any injuries, have the wound cleaned and bandaged by a medical professional.
How to prevent magpie attacks
Being vigilant and proactive can reduce your likelihood of being swooped during magpie breeding season. Here are some tips to prevent magpie strikes:
Avoid nesting areas
Keep clear of known magpie nesting territories in parks, fields, and tree-lined streets. Take alternative routes around these areas when possible.
Go in groups
Magpies are intimidated by larger numbers. Walk with family, friends or coworkers when in swooping zones.
Travel by car
Driving in a car with windows up reduces risk as you can quickly pass through magpie territory.
Use deterrent umbrellas
Carry a black umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat. Open umbrellas discourage swooping.
Remove magpie attractants
Ensure there are no bird feeders or fruit trees attracting magpies into your yard during nesting season.
Protect pets and livestock
Keep smaller animals indoors or in fully covered pens to protect them. Dogs should be kept on a leash.
Avoid sudden movements
Move smoothly and steadily on foot or bike. Don’t wave arms, clap, or behave erratically.
Never provoke or attack
Do not attempt to scare or hurt the magpies. This is illegal and will only elicit more aggressive behavior.
Warn swooping hotspots
You can print and laminate your own swooping warning signs to alert others in your neighborhood.
Report swooping magpies
Contact your local council, Department of Conservation, or wildlife authority to report aggressive magpies. This helps monitoring and prevention.
When to seek medical help
Most magpie strikes do not cause serious harm beyond a minor scratch or bruise. However, seek medical attention if:
- The wound is deep and bleeding heavily
- There is a puncture or perforation of the skin
- You were struck near the eyes or sensitive facial areas
- There is persistent swelling or pain
- You have not had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years
Magpies can potentially transmit infections so it is safest to have any break in the skin treated. See a doctor promptly for assessment and cleaning of the injury.
When to call an ambulance
In very rare cases, magpie strikes can cause serious eye injuries or infection requiring emergency care. Call an ambulance immediately if:
- You have been injured near the eyes and experience blurry vision, discharge or bleeding from the eyes
- You develop signs of infection including fever, increasing pain and redness
- There are lacerations near vulnerable areas like the eyes, throat or wrists
- You suffer from other concerning symptoms like fainting, weakness, confusion or difficulty breathing
Rapid assessment and treatment are crucial for preventing permanent damage from infected magpie wounds or ocular injuries.
Dealing with traumatic magpie attacks
Being swooped repeatedly can result in distress, anxiety or phobias. Here are some tips for coping psychologically:
Seek counselling
Consulting a psychologist can help overcome trauma or new phobias stemming from a frightening magpie interaction.
Practice relaxation techniques
Try deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness to manage anxiety triggered by reminders of the attack.
Lean on your support systems
Confide in close family and friends for reassurance. Reach out to others who have undergone frightening magpie encounters.
Avoid nesting sites
Stay well clear of areas where you were swooped to prevent re-traumatization.
Use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps address negative thought patterns. A psychologist can provide exercises to regain feelings of safety.
Try exposure therapy
Gradually re-expose yourself to magpie situations from a safe distance. For example, driving past nesting zones.
Use relaxation aids when outside
Listen to calming music, meditate or practice paced-breathing when walking near potential magpie zones.
Focus on evidence-based facts
Rely on statistics and data showing magpie attacks rarely cause serious harm except in extremely unusual cases.
Legalities around magpie attacks
Magpie swooping is a nuisance but also a natural protective behavior. Harming or destroying magpies carries heavy penalties. However, there are things you should do from a legal standpoint if swooped, including:
Report aggressive magpies
Contacting your council ensures they are aware and can warn others. Multiple complaints may lead to the birds being relocated.
Keep records
Document details of any injuries or trauma. Photograph wounds for evidence. This assists if seeking compensation later.
Do not retaliate
Attempting to harm or kill swooping magpies is illegal. You can be prosecuted with fines up to $10,000.
Be careful not to trespass
Do not enter private property without permission to avoid nests. Stay on public land.
Obey signage
Adhere to any magpie warning signs indicating you enter at your own risk. This reduces liability.
Consult a lawyer for advice
If seriously injured, seeking legal guidance is recommended regarding compensation and your rights.
Check local council rules
Some municipalities allow the removal of extreme risk magpie nests. Check regulations in your area.
Further reading and resources
For more information on living safely with magpies, helpful resources include:
Magpies of Australia
Bruce Swain provides an excellent magpie identification guide plus tips for deterring attacks.
Magpie Alert
This app tracks swooping hotspots and shares magpie incidents reported by community members.
Magpies.net
This website allows you to find and share swooping locations as well as statistics on magpie attacks.
Department of Conservation
Government site with useful magpie facts, safety advice and information on reporting aggressive birds.
Parks and Wildlife Service
State-based contacts for reporting magpie incidents and approved nest removals in extreme cases.
State | Authority | Contact |
---|---|---|
Queensland | Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing | 13 74 68 |
New South Wales | National Parks and Wildlife Service | 1300 072 757 |
Victoria | Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning | 136 186 |
South Australia | Department for Environment and Water | (08) 8204 1910 |
Western Australia | Parks and Wildlife Service | 9219 9000 |
Tasmania | Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment | 1300 368 550 |
Northern Territory | Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security | (08) 8999 4404 |
Australian Capital Territory | Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development | 13 22 81 |
Summary
- Avoid known magpie nesting areas during breeding season
- Stay calm and move steadily away if swooped
- Protect your head and eyes
- Report aggressive birds to local authorities
- Seek medical help for any injuries sustained
- Discuss trauma or phobias with a counsellor if needed
- Never harm or retaliate against magpies
Dealing with magpie attacks involves prevention, level-headed reactions, and seeking help for any subsequent distress. While scary, keeping the risk in perspective helps avoid developing any lasting anxiety around magpies.