LOCALS are being urged to be patient as cases of bird swoopings escalate throughout the region.
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Parks and public walkways have been bird swooping hotspots in recent weeks since the breeding season began.
University of New England professor of animal behaviour Gisela Kaplan said the act of swooping was not specific to magpies.
“All birds swoop to protect their nests from a perceived threat,” Professor Kaplan said.
“Swooping generally only happens at the time of breeding, which usually lasts a few weeks or so.
“In the case of magpies, the male is charged with protecting the nest and if he does not do a good job his female mate may leave him.
“So he is under a lot of pressure which explains why, unless the bird recognises you, he perceives you as a threat.”
Professor Kaplan said if a level of trust exists between people and magpies, they are less likely to swoop.
“Magpies do have the ability of facial recognition and are one of the few birds that can actively seek to make friends with people,” she said.
“A theory of mine about magpies remembering people was proved recently. It shows if magpies trust you they won’t swoop you.
“Magpies are very territorial and if they find a place that is adequate to nest in, has good access to food and water then they can remain in the one spot for their entire lifespan, which can be 25 to 30 years.”
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Locals are advised to avoid confrontation with the birds and to take care when riding or walking by them.
“Attacking them is probably the worst thing you could do,” Professor Kaplan said.
“Not only are you a risk of hurting the bird, but the bird is almost guaranteed to swoop you because it perceives you as a threat.
“Some good tips for avoiding being swooped are: talking to them and show them you are not a threat.
“While riding a bike or motorbike refraining from looking around, not only is it dangerous for yourself as you may crash, but it is dangerous for the bird as well.
“Failing that, avoiding confrontation and hopping off your bike and removing your helmet can also work.
“Helmets can prevent the bird from recognising you and studies have shown swooping numbers have increased with cyclists since the introduction of mandatory helmets.
“However, above all else, patience is probably the best tip to avoid being swooped.
“The breeding season is only a few weeks long and once it’s over, we can return to co-existing harmoniously.”
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
