Is it legal to kill a swooping magpie?

Magpies and the law Magpies are protected throughout NSW, and it is against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs, or harm their young.

Are you allowed to punch a magpie?

Magpies will swoop down like death from above and, if they’re extra feisty, will peck and scratch their victims. In New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland, culling the birds is not permitted and even removing a magpie nest is considered illegal.

How do you get rid of swooping magpies?

How can I avoid being swooped by a magpie?

1. Walk quickly, but don’t run.
2. Protect your head with an umbrella, hat or helmet.
3. Wear glasses or sunglasses to keep your eyes safe.
4. Keep facing the magpie or its nest as you move away.
5. Dismount your bike if you’re riding, and walk through the magpie’s territory.

Why are magpies protected in Australia?

The magpie is a distinctively Australian bird, which has adapted successfully to agricultural and urban areas. Magpies are protected by legislation. During this time, the magpie’s urge to protect its eggs and young from attack is very strong.

Are magpies protected in Australia?

The Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen) is a native Australian bird and is protected under the State Wildlife Legislation (Nature Conservation Act 1992). It is a serious offence to harm magpies and penalties apply for attempting to harm them.

What to do if a magpie swoops at you?

Walk, don’t run. Avoid making eye contact with the birds. If you know of an area that has swooping magpies, put a sign up to warn passers-by.

How do you defend yourself against magpies?

If there is a swooping magpie in your neighbourhood, take these simple measures to protect yourself and others: • walk through the magpie’s territory quickly – don’t run; • take a different route next time; • protect your head with an umbrella, hat or helmet; • wear glasses to protect your eyes; • watch the magpies …

How do you ward off magpies?

Deterrents for magpies

1. Half-full plastic bottles or CDs hung up in trees to scare the predators away. Magpies don’t like the way light reflects from the surface.
2. GuardnEyes scarecrow balloon, available from Dazer UK.
3. It may be possible to deter them by playing a tape of a crow or rook distress call.

How long do magpies swoop for?

around six weeks
When there are eggs or young in the nest, the male and sometimes the female birds defend their territory from intruders. Some birds do this by swooping. Swooping occurs for around six weeks. Only a few magpies see people as a threat.

Are magpies still swooping?

Magpies are smart, sociable birds who like to stay in an area once they have chosen it as their territory. Magpie swooping season tends to occur between August and October each year, however, each magpie pair will only swoop for around six weeks. And just remember, the swooping season doesn’t last forever!

Are magpies protected in Western Australia?

Magpies are protected in Western Australia under the Wildlife Conservation Act. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is responsible for the protection and management of magpies. Magpie attacks can cause a great deal of distress to children, and to some adults.

Do magpies remember you?

A key reason why friendships with magpies are possible is that we now know that magpies are able to recognise and remember individual human faces for many years. They can learn which nearby humans do not constitute a risk. They will remember someone who was good to them; equally, they remember negative encounters.

Why do magpies swoop?

In Australia, the arrival of spring means that magpies begin nesting – and in some cases, swooping. These intelligent native birds are just trying to raise their families in a challenging environment – and like all animals, they have a natural instinct to protect their young. Why Do Magpies Swoop?

Are Magpies in season in Australia?

Unfortunately, magpies do not extend the same courtesy. Also known as “spring” in the U.S., swooping season is in full swing in Australia, adding just one more reason for everyone to stay indoors right now.

How can I stay safe from a swooping magpie?

By understanding magpies and knowing how to behave around them, you can stay safe from a swooping magpie. If a magpie that is defending its nest becomes aggressive and a risk to human safety the magpie may, in some instances, be removed. Contact your local council to see if they have a removal program.

Do magpies attack people?

Even though most magpies don’t attack people, many have seen or experienced a magpie attack while walking or riding through a magpie’s territory sometime between July and November. By understanding magpies and knowing how to behave around them, you can stay safe from a swooping magpie.