As Victoria heads into spring, people are being reminded to take simple steps to stay safe around magpies and other swooping birds.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Manager Wildlife Emergencies and Welfare Services, Tony English, said swooping occurs during the breeding season for some native birds.
“Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that some native birds use to protect their eggs and chicks during the breeding season,” Mr English said.
“Swooping is their way of telling you to keep your distance.”
While being swooped can feel unsettling, it is rare for birds to make contact, with incidents occurring in urban and rural areas, including parks, gardens, playgrounds, roadsides and shared walking and cycling paths.
Mr English said some birds within a species are more aggressive than other.
“The presence of magpies or other birds commonly associated with swooping does not necessarily mean you will be swooped,” he said.
“The behaviour is usually short-lived and ends once young birds have left the nest.”
Victorians can reduce the risk of being swooped by:
– Avoiding known swooping hotspots
– Moving quickly and calmly through the area rather than running
– Wearing protective head and eye coverings when needed
– Avoiding harassing birds, which can increase defensive behaviour
– Not feeding birds or disturbing nests.
People can help others stay informed by reporting swooping incidents to Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map at https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.
All native wildlife is protected under Victorian law.
Harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal and penalties apply.
Anyone who witnesses wildlife crime, including the harassment, harm or disturbance of native wildlife, can report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
