How to Report a Magpie Swooping or Injury

After a swift and shocking injury to my neck by a neighbourhood magpie, I wanted to report the attack.

This was the second time I’d been hit by a magpie near my house. Last year, I got attacked and it made contact with my head. Someone nearby heard my screams and came out of their house and offered me an umbrella! Bless.

Before my attack this year, I could hear kids on bikes being attacked. I wish I had been more cautious!

You can report a hit or near miss at the Magpie Alert! Website.

The website lists all the recent magpie swooping. It includes a map of Australia to find out if any local spots have been listed. If you like walking or riding your bike in new areas, you can check your planned route before heading out. 

You can filter swoops by state and territories, or year on the website.

There is an attack count in the top right-hand corner for the current year.

You can click on the magpie pin for further information. Yellow pins are near misses. Red pins are for injuries.

How to Record Your Magpie Attack

1. Create an account and log in. Then click on the “Record Attacks” button in the top right-hand corner.
2. Find your address. Then select the date and time you were swooped.
3. Then you can provide a brief description of your attack. 
4. Use the drop-down menu to Select Yes or No to the Question: Were you injured?
5. Use the drop-down menu to Select the answer to the Question: What activity were you doing at the time? You can select from Walking, Running, Cycling, Roller Skating, Scooting, E-Scooting, Skate Boarding, Walking Dog, Motorcycling, Delivering the Post, and Other. 
6. You can then select the checkbox to be “Notify me by email when someone comments on my attack.”

Your attacks will be compiled and displayed for visibility across Australia. Your entry will need to be approved by the website administrator.

You may like to contact your local council. Sometimes they may add a sign to warn others about magpies in the area.

If you must walk in an area where you know there are magpies, place your backpack or an umbrella over your head. Try to stay calm and walk normally. Avoid running or becoming aggressive.

When do Magpies swoop? 

Male magpies swoop in Spring during mating season. This is generally from late August to late October.

Where can I learn more about Magpies? 

Read more about Magpies on the Brisbane City Council website.

Swooping birds on the Brisbane City Council website

About the Magpie Alert Website

Magpie Alert! website is Australia’s social website to track aggressive swooping magpies in your area. If you are a cyclist, walker, runner or maybe a concerned member of the public then help protect others and share swooping magpie attacks online here!

If you like the service, please consider donating.