Birds

Why birds swoop

Native birds that swoop include Plovers (Masked Lapwings), Butcher birds, Kookaburras and Magpies, with magpies usually causing the most concern.

During Spring and nesting season, a Magpie will sometimes swoop on a person, clacking its beak. While alarming, it is usually an attempt to defend its family so just a warning.

This only happens during the nesting season, which lasts a few weeks so if possible, use an alternate route during this time. A magpie may persistently swoop on a particular person yet ignore others.

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.

All native birds are protected under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and there are penalties for taking, harassing or injuring native wildlife. It is illegal to kill birds, or to interfere with their nests containing eggs or young without a permit or authority.

Top ten tips to protect yourself against swooping birds

• Know your local swooping hot spots (see below).
• Avoid the area by taking an alternative route.
• Do not stop - walk away quickly.
• Cover your head with a large wide brim hat.
• Place fake eyes at the back of your head.
• Wear sunglasses on the back of your head.
• Wear a hat with a pair of eyes drawn on the back.
• Wear a bicycle or skateboard helmet, or even an ice cream container or cardboard box.
• Carry an open umbrella or stick above your head (but do not wave it). 
• Do not harass wildlife.
• Do not destroy nests.
• Do not feed swooping birds.
• Travel in a group.
• Notify others.

Download a Fact Sheet from this page about Swooping birds.

Known bird swooping locations

The following locations have been identified as known Magpie swooping locations (last updated 18/9/24);

Corowa	Howlong	Mulwala
Steel Street (outside Corowa Whisky & Chocolate)
RSL Park, Betterment Parade	Victoria Street	Hume Street
Dock Street South Corowa	Pearce Street	Corner Tocumwal Road and Spring Drive
Intersection of Bow Street, Albury Road and Sanger Street	Corner Larmer and Hoodle Street	Corner Melbourne and Edwards Streets (St Andrews by the Church Yard)
River Street between Lawrence and Brocklesby Streets	Larmer Street	Wanani Road
Cemetery Road	Drew Lane	Near Shoreline Caravan Park and Purtle Park Toilet block
Tower Street (Corowa High School entrance)	Kennedy Street, east end	Corner of Tocumwal and Corowa Road
Morris Park around the childrens play equipment		All Abilities Playground near train
River Street South Corowa near Corowa South Public School
Cnr Honour Ave and Redlands Road
Walking trail around water reserve behind Water Treatment Plan off Albury Road

 

Let us know of locations in the Federation Council Region where Magpies are swooping by emailing us at council@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au. The list above will be updated accordingly.

To assist other members of the community, swooping magpies in your area can registered on the Magpie Alert National Register.