What you need to know about Swooping Season
Only those who have encountered a Magpie know how dangerous swooping season can be! We as humans have the tendency to protect our kids at all costs. The same applies to these magpies as well. The time period in which they breed and lay eggs is essentially known as the “Swooping Season.” The attacks they make on human beings or other animals such as dogs is addressed as Swooping.
When does the Swooping season take place?
The swooping season takes place mostly between the months of August and October every year. During this time the magpie’s swooping behavior and attacks are in full force. This their time to lay eggs. The breeding season is all over by November usually. Swooping mainly takes place in the southern parts of Australia.
How long do magpies swoop?
The main Swooping season lasts for about six weeks. During this period the magpies lay eggs and after their chicks are old enough, the flee.
What happens during the swooping season?
During the swooping season, it’s the female that magpies have just laid eggs or their chicks are very little and cannot even fly. So, during this time, the male magpies act as protectors for their little ones. You can hear them screeching, hooting or clapping their beaks with full force. They call an attack on anyone withing the radius of 50 meters. They feel and outer entity is risky for them and can attack their eggs. So, in response they attacks people or animals.
How to avoid swoops?
It is said that magpies only attack the area within the radius of 50 meters. So, if you spot a magpie nest, it is best that you change your route. Magpies are also said to breed and hatch at the same place every year. So, if they were there the last season, they will at the same place this time too.
Some tips to avoid being swooped:
- Walk calmly, don’t run!
- Wear a hat or any other protective headgear.
- Do not make eye contact with the birds.
- If you know your area is prone to swooping, put up a sign board for people who pass by.
- Magpies usually tend to attack individuals, so, it is advised to travel in groups.
- Do not shout, get aggressive, or wave your arms.
How to spot a swooping magpie family?
The mother and the chick have a grey back and the father will have a white back. The chicks will always have their head down and beaks open in search of food.