Swooping magpies

Outside of the breeding season, magpies are friendly and welcome neighbours in our suburbs and on our properties. They help control pests in our gardens and their call is a wonderful part of Australian life.

However, magpies are fiercely protective of their nest and young. They will swoop at anything, including people, who come within around 100 metres of their nest site during breeding season.

Magpie swooping season usually lasts for a few weeks between August and October each year.

Reduce your chances of being swooped 

  • Do not deliberately provoke or harass the birds as this may make them more aggressive

  • Take care as injuries can occur as a result of the birds striking

  • Walk out of the birds territory immediately

  • Avoid the swooping area by taking an alternative route

  • Wear a large, wide brim hat and sunglasses or carry an open umbrella; you can place eyes on the back of hats and umbrellas which may reduce the likelihood of the birds swooping

  • Keep an eye on the bird as this may discourage attack

  • Make a temporary sign to warn others

Bike riders

  • If possible take an alternative route

  • Get off your bike and walk through the birds territory

  • Wear a helmet and sunglasses

Report swooping magpies

If a magpie is swooping on property controlled by City of Coffs Harbour and we receive reports about it, we will put up warning signs. Contact us

Magpies are protected

It is against the law to kill magpies, collect their eggs, or harm their young as they are protected throughout NSW under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Visit the Environment NSW website to find out more about magpies

 

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