By understanding magpies and knowing how to behave around them, you can stay safe from a swooping magpie.

 Fast Facts 

 A magpie will only defend its nest within a ‘defence zone’. For pedestrians, this is usually an area within 110m and for cyclists it is 150m.

 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 can hear the sound of grubs and worms under the ground.
(If you've ever seen a magpie turn its head to the side while walking across grass, it's probably homing in on the location of its lunch.)

Staying Safe This Season 

 Wear sunglasses for eye protection

If a magpie swoops while you are cycling, it will probably stop swooping if you get off your bike and walk.

 Avoid ‘defence zones’ by taking alternative routes during the breeding season.

 Don’t fight back if a magpie swoops. Throwing sticks and stones or yelling at a magpie are likely to make it more aggressive next time anyone enters the defence zone around their nest.

For more information on historical swooping sites, please visit https://www.banana.qld.gov.au/magpies-3/magpies-swooping

To notify Council of a magpie swooping site, please complete a ‘Magpie Attack Notification Form’ and either email enquires@banana.qld.gov.au or drop into your local customer service centre.

Link for form: https://www.banana.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/538/magpie-attack-notification-form