Magpies are on high alert at this time of year as the breeding season kicks off, leading to the most significant human-wildlife conflict in the nation.
Across the country, people are attacked by swooping magpies each year between August and October.
During this time some 10per cent of male magpies can become aggressive as they work to defend their territory, females and eggs.
Lawrence Orel from the National Parks and Wildlife Service said male magpies were the main attackers, flying past people from behind, clipping their ear or swooping close to their head.
‘‘If the bird has had a bad experience, then it might decide that during nesting season it needs to protect the female’s eggs and the young from anybody that comes near it,’’ Mr Orel said.
‘‘Male magpies are adapted to drive away potential predators, so when they feel threatened or when people pass their area, they may be seen as invaders which prompts them to swoop from the side or the back of the head. With the aim of drawing blood, the most damage comes from the beak.’’
Mr Orel said that during the season, male birds’ testes become enlarged, pumping more testosterone through the body, causing the aggression.
‘‘It can also be learnt behaviour from the parents, passed down from generation to generation.’’
Australian Birdlife magazine editor, Sean Dooley, said humans needed to modify their behaviour to avoid being attacked.
‘‘Quickly walk away from the area where they lurk while maintaining eye contact because they are less likely to swoop if you look at them,’’ Mr Dooley said.
■ Reports of aggressive magpies can be made to the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300072757.