When is magpie swooping season? September is peak magpie swooping season. However, the birds typically nest from July to December and have been known to swoop then too. Magpies tend to swoop for about six weeks as their mate incubates eggs and while the chicks are very young.
Almost all swoops on people are carried out by male magpies defending their eggs and chicks, which are in the nest for about six to eight weeks between July and November. Magpies often become more aggressive as the chicks become older, but swooping usually stops once the young have left the nest.
From July to November each year, magpies build their nests and raise their young in a limited area known as a territory. When there are eggs or young in the nest, the male and sometimes the female birds defend their territory from intruders. Some birds do this by swooping. Swooping occurs for around six weeks.
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 …
August to November is nesting season for magpies and occasionally male magpies become territorial to protect their young and may swoop if they think the nest or offspring are in danger. If you are swooped by a magpie, stay calm, do not run and avoid looking towards swooping birds.
“Only 10 per cent of the male magpies actually swoop people and the research suggests it is actually a learned behaviour,” Dooley says. “These birds might have had a bad experience with humans in the past, and they remember that and swoop when humans come near their nest.”
"If you're getting swooped, the main thing you want to do is try to quickly and calmly move out of their space," Ms Campbell said. "Usually, they only swoop 100 metres around their nest so generally if you move away quickly and calmly, they will stop swooping you.
The best way to protect yourself from a swooping bird, is to avoid venturing into their territory. If you must pass through the area – move quickly – do not run. Wear a hat or carry a stick or umbrella above your head. Cyclists should wear a helmet, dismount and walk through the area.
Mr Dooley says the one “foolproof” way to make sure you're not swooped is by feeding magpies. “That's the way to a magpie's heart,” he said. “You don't want to give them junk food … fresh meat is the best or even dog biscuits, especially if they're soaked in a bit of water.”
Myth 2: Magpies target certain colours
None of the research about magpies to date has found that magpies target specific colours, such as orange, yellow or purple. Instead, it is widely believed that they swoop purely to protect their young.
Use Decoys And Reflective Objects
There's one thing magpies are really scared of – flashing lights. You can keep magpies at bay by placing any reflective object in your yard.
In a series of experiments, British scientists debunked the common myth that magpies are inveterate trinket thieves. They found that far from being attracted to shiny objects, the black and white birds tended to avoid them.
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.
According to the Department of Environment and Science Queensland, prime swooping season occurs in the six to eight week period the birds nest between July and October. Magpies essentially swoop to protect their young, becoming more aggressive as the chicks hatch and age.
Between July to November each year, magpies build their nests and raise their young in a limited area known as a territory. When there are eggs or young in the nest, the males defend their territory from intruders. Some birds do this by swooping which occurs for around six weeks after which the chicks are mature.
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.
This is normal defensive behaviour as the bird is trying to protect their eggs or newly hatched young in their nest. It usually lasts about six weeks.
While they don't swoop as often, they will often swoop from the front. "There's been instances of people getting eye-gouged from the claws of a magpie lark," Birdlife Australia's Sean Dooley told 9News.com.au.
Like dogs, magpies seem to sense fear and may capitalise on this by pressing on with harassing any perceived threat. Occasionally, a magpie will actually strike an intruder on the head with its bill. While such strikes are rare, magpies can inflict serious injuries.
Magpies are 'like dogs'
"Even during the breeding season you can come close to them because they know you'll do no harm." On the other hand, if you are mean to a magpie it will bear a grudge for a long time.
Magpies are smart, extremely territorial and will swoop riders from up to 100m away from their nest.
If a magpie tries to swoop you, bend your elbow and bring your forearm close to your head to protect your face. Once your eyes are covered, look down and walk away calmly. Cyclists should also dismount their bikes and proceed on foot through a magpie's attack zone.