Magpie nesting season takes flight

Magpies may swoop from now until November to protect their young, but this behaviour is temporary and instinctive.

This year, our magpies need extra care. A mystery illness known as black and white paralysis disease has affected thousands of birds across Perth, including magpies, magpie-larks and ravens. Symptoms include weakness, poor coordination and difficulty breathing. While the cause remains unknown, many birds can recover with proper rehabilitation.

How you can help:

• Avoid feeding magpies – human food can harm them
• Provide fresh water in shaded bowls, especially during warmer months
• Respect swooping signs by planning alternate routes and avoid known nesting areas
• Report sick or injured birds:
  • On City reserves – contact the City’s call centre on (08) 9205 8555
  • On private property – call the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055
  • Report clusters of sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
• Consider volunteering at a wildlife rescue or rehabilitation centre or local conservation volunteer group.

Swooping tips

It’s worth remembering that magpies only swoop to protect their young. They use body language (flying low and clacking their beak) to warn actual and perceived threats to stay away. Individual birds may feel threatened by different things such as bikes, dogs, children, walkers or other birds.

Magpies are also highly intelligent birds who remember faces. If you were swooped last year, the same bird may return. The City’s Swoop Smart campaign aims to balance public safety with wildlife protection. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and our magpies thriving.

Here are some tips for staying safe this swooping season:

• Stay clear of caution signs and roped-off areas
• Dismount bikes and scooters near nesting zones
• Supervise children and encourage wearing hats and sunglasses
• If swooped, cover your face, look away, and walk calmly.

For more information about magpie nesting season, visit https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/ or learn more about native animals in the City of Stirling.