Swooping Birds
Springtime can bring about increased swooping incidents, as birds become protective of their young. This page aims to provide you with important information on swooping birds within Noosa Shire, how to stay safe, and what to do if you encounter a swooping bird.
Swooping bird information
A number of different bird species can demonstrate swooping behaviour including magpies, butcher birds, honeyeater and plovers (masked lapwings). These birds can become territorial during the breeding season (usually spring) and may swoop to protect their young. This is normal behaviour, and occurs frequently across South East Queensland. In most circumstance, risks from swooping birds may be appropriately managed by taking a few simple precautions.
Stay safe around swooping birds
To help you stay safe during swooping bird season, please consider the following precautions:
- Take an alternative route if possible
- Walk quickly through the area but don’t run
- Protect your head and eyes with an open umbrella, hat and sunglasses
- Dismount your bicycle and walk
Reporting swooping incidents
If you encounter a swooping bird and feel threatened, report the incident to Noosa Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre. In some cases, Council may install warning signs in areas with known swooping activity. We aim to balance the safety of our residents with the protection of our local bird populations.
Relocation of swooping birds
Native birds are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and it is illegal to harm them or interfere with their nests and eggs. In only extreme circumstances, where risks to the community cannot be appropriately mitigated by community awareness, education and signage, Council may choose to engage a licenced contractor to relocate the swooping bird, or the nest. Generally, Council does not support this approach due to the impacts on the welfare of the parent birds and their young.
Swooping on non-Council land
Council does not manage birds on private property.
Residents who have swooping birds located on private property may choose to engage a licensed relocator for a fee - check your local telephone listings or the internet.