With spring upon us, people are again being warned to look out for swooping birds when they go outside.
Simon Ruff, senior wildlife projects officer at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said spring was breeding season for birds.
“Every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable,” Mr Ruff said.
“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds, warning people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rare for birds to make contact.”
Native birds swoop in urban and rural areas, parks and gardens, along bike tracks or anywhere that birds are nesting.
Species that may swoop commonly include magpies, masked lapwings and butcherbirds.
“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of magpies or other common swooping birds doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be swooped,” Mr Ruff said.
“Remember, the swooping behaviour will only last a short time, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest.”
Those seeking to avoid being swooped are advised to know their local swooping hotspots and avoid them; move quickly but don’t run if near a swooping bird; wear protective head and eye coverings; don’t harass or feed birds and don’t destroy their nests.
Harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria and penalties apply.
Wildlife crimes can be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map can be found at: wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.
