If possible, install a bird deterrent, like a hawk or owl decoy. Some people carry an umbrella to ward off the risk of divebombing birds. While dive-bombing birds can be a nuisance, it is important to remember that they are just trying to protect their territory or young.
Bird attacks on humans are usually an action intended to protect territory or the young. It's rarely pure aggressive. It's not uncommon for a bird to attack because it mistakes something (like a person) for food. There are over 5,000 reported attacks by crows on humans.
They are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often 'swoop' unsuspecting passers by if they feel threatened. Only a small percentage of birds attack during Spring as a 'warning' to ward off intruders to their territory, which may include your local park, backyard or schoolyard.
Contact your local council to see if they have a removal program. Alternatively you can obtain the details of your nearest licensed magpie relocator from the Yellow Pages. This is a commercial service and a fee is usually charged, typically paid by the complainant or landowner.
Australian Magpies are strongly territorial and defend their territories both from other magpies as well as potential predators. Unfortunately, some individual magpies perceive humans as a potential threat and accordingly, swoop down with a fast warning flight, occasionally making contact.
Magpie attacks occur in most parts of Australia, though Tasmanian magpies are much less aggressive than their mainland counterparts. Magpie attacks can cause injuries, typically wounds to the head.
What is ornithophobia? People who have ornithophobia have an extreme fear of birds. They may worry that birds will attack them and feel as though they're in danger when they see birds. “Ornithos” is the Greek word for bird and “phobos” means fear.
There could be several reasons why your bird is suddenly attacking you. It could be due to a change in their environment or routine, such as a new cage or new people in the house. Birds can also become territorial and aggressive during breeding season or when they feel threatened.
Butcherbirds are known to swoop during the annual spring breeding season (from September to November). Swooping stops once the young have left the nest, so it's only a problem for a few weeks.
Second, I generally approach birds at an angle rather than moving directly at them. Many birds are easier to approach if they perceive you to be moving past them and not at them. You can either approach in wide zigzags or at an angle that gradually brings you closer but gives the impression you are moving alongside.
The most well-known bird for displaying swooping behaviour is the Australian magpie, however other species of native birds have also been known to swoop including the masked lapwing (plover), butcherbird, magpie-lark (pee-wee), little friarbird, torresian crow and noisy miner.
Flags that move in the wind are the cheapest, most effective ways to scare birds. Predator statues such as lifelike scarecrows, owls, coyotes, snakes or cats that can be moved around every few days. Shiny objects such as old CDs, foil pans or silver reflective tape.
An angry bird may stretch up tall or crouch into an attack position, or it may sharply flick its tail or spread its wings to make itself appear larger and more threatening. Sound: Many birds have alarm calls and other sounds such as bill clacks or hisses that can indicate agitation and anger.
Provide Stimulation. Challenge your bird with stimulating puzzle toys, a TV to watch, a radio to listen to, or something exciting that will maintain interest. Out of Cage Time. Some birds will benefit from extra attention from their owner and may appreciate more time out of their cage.
It's not you; it's spring, a time when birds get very protective and territorial about their young. The bird isn't attacking; it's just trying to scare you away. "It may seem like it's an offensive behavior and some people might find it offensive, but it's actually a defensive behavior on the part of the bird.
Generally speaking, birds hate strong smells, shiny objects, and predators, both birds of prey or larger animals or humans within their vicinity.
Remember, magpies are simply trying to protect their territory. Stay calm, protect your face and walk away quickly. A magpie may become aggressive towards people because it has been harassed in the past. Please do not throw things at magpies or chase them.
Some believe flashing lights scare them off, while others swear a zany wig, sticking eyes to the back of your head or opening an umbrella is the way to go. You could even attach a flag to your bike that is higher than your head.
Like dogs, magpies seem to sense fear and will capitalise on it by pressing an attack. In a strike attack, a magpie swoops, hovers momentarily and then strikes. The fluttering of wings as the bird hovers is usually sufficient warning for adults and older children to duck their heads and avoid the attack.
Australian magpies breed from late July to December, which means that swooping season stretches across half the year. But it peaks when magpie chicks hatch in September and early October. “Despite all the hysteria around psycho magpies, it is just the male defending the chicks in the nest …