Magpies and Swooping Birds
Magpies and some other native birds swoop as a defensive behaviour to protect their eggs, nest and young. Swooping usually occurs between August and November.
Most birds will stop swooping once their young have left the nest. This is usually after 6 to 8 weeks.
It is illegal to harm native birds or interfere with their nests.
Common swooping bird species
Many birds will protect their nest and chicks from potential predators.
The main bird species that swoop include the:
- Australian magpie
- grey butcherbird
- masked lapwing (plover)
- crow
- magpie-lark
- noisy miner
- noisy friarbird
- peewee.
Any bird may swoop if there is a threat to their chicks or nest.
What to do if there is a swooping bird in your neighbourhood
If there is a swooping bird in your area you should:
- take an alternate route to avoid being swooped (more than 100m from nest if known)
- protect your face and eyes by wearing a hat and sunglasses or carrying an umbrella
- dismount from your bicycle, remain calm and walk quickly through the area.
- not wave your arms, yell or throw objects at the bird. This increases their protective behaviours.
Report a swooping bird on Council-owned land
You can report a swooping bird on Council-owned land by contacting Council or calling us on 1300 307 800.
Council may conduct a risk-based assessment, and may take mitigation measures such as installing signage and communicating with our community on known areas.
Swooping birds on my property or state-controlled land
Council does not manage birds on private property or state-controlled land.
You can report a swooping bird on state-owned land to the State Government by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Residents who have swooping birds on their property can engage a licensed relocator. Fees may apply. Naturecall: 1300 319 954