Magpies begin swooping in region

IT’S spring and that means Toowoomba’s swooping birds are now out in force.

A Toowoomba Regional Council spokesman said the best-known bird for displaying swooping behaviour was the Australian magpie.

“However, other species of native birds have also been known to swoop, including the masked lapwing (plover), butcherbird, torresian crow and noisy miner,” the spokesman said.

“All of these native birds are protected species under state legislation. Penalties apply for attempting to harm them.”

Birds have been sighted swooping in Ramsay St, the Warrego Highway at Newtown, Hursely Rd, Holberton St and Wright St.

“Only a small percentage of birds (in the case of magpies, less than 10%) attack humans,” the council spokesman said.

“These attacks usually occur within 150m of their nest. This is normal defensive behaviour as the bird is trying to protect its eggs or newly hatched young in the nest.

“Research suggests that most aggressive magpies have previously had a negative interaction with humans; for example people have thrown stones or sticks at them, their chicks or nests.”

He said most swooping magpies were harmless and merely aimed at driving away the intruder not to cause injury.

“However, some individuals do make contact and can hurt passers-by,” he said.

“Magpies sometimes recognise and target certain people over and over again. They also tend to be particularly incensed by cyclists.”

If you see any birds swooping, let The Chronicle know by emailing news@thechronicle.com.au.

The meeting will start at 2pm at Aberdeen St, Rangeville.

For more information and the address, phone Cheryl on 4635 6275 or Ann on 4638 4620.