Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action wildlife emergencies and welfare services manager Tony English said swooping occurred during the breeding season for some native birds.
“Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that some native birds use to protect their eggs and chicks during the breeding season,” Mr English said.
“Swooping is their way of telling you to keep your distance.”
While being swooped can feel unsettling, it is rare for birds to make contact.
Incidents often occur in areas such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, roadsides and shared walking and cycling paths.
Mr English said some birds within a species were more aggressive than others.
“The presence of magpies or other birds commonly associated with swooping does not necessarily mean you will be swooped,” he said.
“The behaviour is usually short-lived and ends once young birds have left the nest.”
Tips to reduce the risk of being swooped
- Avoid known swooping hotspots;
- Move quickly and calmly through the area, rather than running;
- Wear protective head and eye coverings when needed;
- Avoid harassing birds, which can increase defensive behaviour, and;
- Don’t feed birds or disturb nests.
People can help others stay informed by reporting swooping incidents to Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map at wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds
All native wildlife is protected under Victorian law, and harassing, harming or disturbing native birds is illegal.
Anyone who witnesses wildlife crime, including the harassment, harm or disturbance of native wildlife can report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 33 000.
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