Magpies are swooping

A senior departmental officer has warned people across Victoria, including the Wimmera, the swooping season of birds including magpies has arrived.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning senior wildlife officer Suriya Vij said the birds had started swooping as part of normal breeding behaviour.

“The first incidents of Australian magpies swooping across Victoria have been reported over the past few weeks,” she said.

“Being swooped by a territorial bird is no fun, but this is just normal bird behaviour and, if possible, the best response is to keep away from the area.”

Ms Vij said the approach of warmer weather prompted birds into breeding.

“People should remember to not harm native birds because they are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975,” she said.

“If you do end up in an area where there is a swooping bird, try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly through the area.

“They are swooping to defend their eggs and young and if they perceive you to be a potential threat, they might swoop.”

The department is encouraging people to notify others in their district area about swooping birds.

Ms Vij said people can report a swooping incident by any species online at www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/ managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.