Swooping Birds

Being swooped by a bird can be a frightening or dangerous experience. By understanding why native birds swoop and how to avoid swooping, we can remove some of the stress of the breeding season.

Birds may swoop in parks, gardens, school grounds, backyards and along shared paths. Like most animals, birds act instinctively to protect their territory. Most birds only swoop during breeding season to protect their nests, eggs and young from potential intruders.

Most of the time, swooping is a form of bluff and birds rarely make contact, but swooping birds can cause injuries. Most birds will swoop within 30-50 metres of their nest if they perceive you to be a potential threat. They usually attack with their beaks and aim for the scalp, face or eyes.

Likely times for swooping to occur:

• Australian Magpies breed from August to October and are very protective of their young; 
• Grey Butcher birds breed from July to January; 
• Laughing Kookaburras breed from September to January, they may attack their reflection in windows;
• Magpie-larks breed from January to December, their attacks are usually bluff and injuries are uncommon, although some serious head and eye injuries have occurred; 
• Masked Lapwings breed from July to November and may swoop to protect eggs or their young in their nests on the ground; and 
• Red Wattlebirds breed from July to December, they may swoop and snap their beaks but they are unlikely to make contact.

Helpful Hints:

• Avoid the swoop area during breeding season;  
• Travel in a group. Most birds only swoop individuals; 
• Be confident and face a swooping bird; usually they only attack people facing away from them; 
• Do not panic and run, as this only encourages a swooping bird to continue its attack; 
• Wear a hat where there are swooping birds, or wear a hat with 'eyes' painted on the back of it so the bird feels like it is being watched. Sunglasses worn backwards have a similar effect; 
• Hold a stick or umbrella over your head to keep a swooping bird at a safe distance; 
• The fluttering of wings as the bird hovers can be a warning to duck your head to avoid an attack; and 
• When cycling, dismount and walk your bike past the swoop area.

Things to Avoid:

• Do not harass or throw stones at birds as this makes them aggressive and defensive; 
• Do not destroy nests as the birds may re-nest and extend the breeding season; and 
• Feeding or befriend swooping birds.

All native birds are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and there are serious penalties for taking, harassing or injuring native wildlife.

Many native birds share our urban environment and can be a joy to listen to and watch. We can learn to live harmoniously with them if we understand more about their behaviour and respond accordingly.

For further information on swooping birds please contact Council's Service Centre on Ph: 03 8290 1333.