Experts have shared their top tips for avoiding magpies in Australia as the breeding season gets underway.
Between August and October, magpies fiercely protect their nests by swooping down and pecking at those who stray too close.
In an attempt to help Australians avoid this year’s feared attacks, the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (CABLES), shared some of the “foolproof” ways to avoid them, many of which had never been heard before.
Speaking to FEMAIL, a spokesperson suggested avoiding “known” magpie breeding areas, wearing a hat or umbrella. They also warned against making eye contact with the birds as this can trigger them.
Female magpies usually lay eggs in mid-August and the males will defend the nest while she sits on them for three weeks until they hatch.
Each magpie will fly for about six weeks until its young have developed their plumage and are ready to leave the nest.
Danielle, known as The Magpie Whisperer He said there might be an unusual way to avoid the wrath of a territorial magpie.
The licensed wildlife carer, based on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, said she has heard stories of people offering food to magpies in their neighbourhood to befriend them.
Experts have shared their top tips for avoiding magpies in Australia as the breeding season begins
Magpies have an extraordinary ability to remember faces, so they may show less aggression towards people with whom they have had positive interactions.
“I can’t say it’s a guaranteed method. However, there is a possibility that regularly interacting with magpies in a positive way, such as offering them food, can help reduce their aggression,” Danielle told FEMAIL.
‘While it’s essential to keep in mind that each magpie’s reactions may vary, these stories suggest that it’s worth trying to build a friendly relationship with them through kind interactions and treats.’
Danielle, known as The Magpie Whisperer, said she has heard stories of people offering food to the magpies in their neighbourhood in order to befriend them and not be attacked.
Foods including bread, minced meat and chocolate are not good for magpies as their diet consists of various bugs, worms and insects.
However, WIRES does not recommend feeding native birds as they need to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.
Those who have a magpie living in their backyard or near their home may be at less risk of being attacked by one.
Magpies’ memory for faces helps them distinguish between unfamiliar individuals and friendly, permanent residents of their territory with whom they have had good interactions.
The organization also shared some useful strategies to avoid attacks, including avoiding the area where magpies nest during the breeding season.
People should never be aggressive towards birds by doing things like waving sticks or throwing rocks, as such behaviors will only reinforce their perception that humans are a threat.
Do not approach or try to look into their nests or make eye contact with magpies and it is best to wear a hat or umbrella in a known magpie breeding area.
Heed the warning signs of magpies – they may be about to attack.
If they see a perceived threat getting too close, they will begin singing Christmas carols and then clap their beaks before swooping down.
WIRES shared some helpful strategies to avoid dive attacks, as well as the warning signs birds display before they dive.
Cyclists should also dismount and walk their bikes through the area, as many people have suffered injuries from falling while trying to avoid the magpies.
CPR Kids also published a guide To avoid being attacked, people should walk quickly through magpie territory rather than run.
Danielle has been observing and working closely with magpies for over a decade and describes them as “incredibly intelligent and social birds”.
He said during the breeding season magpies become more territorial over their nest and young and swoop down because they see humans as a potential threat, but it is a common misconception that they are aggressive animals.
“It’s essential to remember that this is a natural instinct and not a sign of aggression,” he said.
‘Understanding the distinction between instinctive protective behavior and overt aggression is vital to fostering empathy and peaceful coexistence with these extraordinary birds.’
“They’re just doing what any good parent would do: defending their territory and their young.”