As spring approaches in Australia, Australians are being advised to be alert but not alarmed during the peak of the annual swooping season. This is the time of year when many bird species, including our local magpies, are viciously protecting their nests from what they consider intruders. Darryl Jones, an expert in avian behavior, points out that all swooping birds do not spontaneously protect their young. This instinctive behavior stems from their instinct to protect their hatchlings.
Including magpies, which are infamous for their nuisance swooping behavior, as one of the most aggressive defenders. Jones described a recent trial done with his students where they passed underneath a tree where a nesting magpie was present. The results were revealing.
“They don’t really hit, they just do that to intimidate you,” Jones said. The magpie’s conduct often goes beyond simple alarm. Perhaps the most striking example was his return to the same site years later. To his dismay, one magpie picked him out and immediately went on the offensive again!
Only he was attacked that day, Jones said. Years later, he went back to that same site and was the target of a second attack. This astounding ability to recognize individuals makes Australian magpies unique among many bird species.
Along Australia’s east coast, magpies are usually found in mobs, emboldening their aggressiveness during nesting season. Wildlife experts urge against harassing these birds and to use protective head coverings, like wide-brimmed hats or helmets to prevent attacks. Examples of aggressive magpie swooping are not uncommon, leading people to pre-emptively protect themselves.
Butcherbirds are pretty confusingly similar in appearance to magpies, with their black hoods and white collars. Instances of them diving are a whole lot rarer. Jones warned that apart from their incredible ability for identification, butcherbirds have been known to attack and cause serious damage, if challenged. To put it charitably, they can be very treacherous. When they pass and nip you, they carry a small hunk of your flesh with them.
Many people don’t know that crows and ravens have the capability to identify humans. In metropolitan areas, the Australian raven and Torresian raven are notorious for dive bombing pedestrians. The Indian myna is a noted pest, but some would argue it is less of a threat. It likes to engage at eye level and doesn’t dive bomb individuals.
Jones went into detail on some interesting behaviors of another ubiquitous bird around this time. The noisy miner. He characterized these arrivals as “friendly birds, abundant birds that have lost their fear of us.” Their non-stop movement can stress out the other birds, leading to a frenzy-like setting.
“The one we’re discussing here is the noisy miner,” Jones said. He went on to complain about their nesting practices. Just like the farmer’s hen, they most often lay their eggs in the silliest of spots. You’ll spot them in car parks, school yards and cricket grounds where the public are most likely to walk past.
As spring continues, educating ourselves and preparing for these bird activities is an important first step for the people gettin’ outside this season. With magpies and other birds taking defensive actions to protect their nests, residents are encouraged to remain cautious while enjoying the warmer weather.
