Swooping Australian magpie

cyclist wearing helmet spikes ward off diving magpies

magpie attacks can cause injuries, typically wounds head, , being unexpectedly swooped while cycling can result in loss of control of bicycle, may cause injury.

a magpie defending territory brown goshawk

if necessary walk near nest, wearing broad-brimmed or legionnaire s hat or using umbrella deter attacking birds, beanies , bicycle helmets of little value birds attack sides of head , neck.

magpies prefer swoop @ of head; therefore, keeping magpie in sight @ times can discourage bird. basic disguise such sunglasses worn on of head may fool magpie person looking. eyes painted on hats or helmets deter attacks on pedestrians not cyclists.

cyclists can deter attack attaching long pole flag bike, , use of cable ties on helmets has become common , appears effective.

magpies protected native species in australia, illegal kill or harm them. however, protection removed in australian states if magpie attacks human, allowing bird destroyed if considered particularly aggressive (such provision made, example, in section 54 of south australian national parks , wildlife act). more commonly, aggressive bird caught , relocated unpopulated area. magpies have moved distance able find way home distances of less 25 km (16 mi). removing nest of no use birds breed again , possibly more aggressive second time around.

some claim swooping can prevented hand-feeding magpies. magpies become accustomed being fed humans, , although wild, return same place looking handouts. idea humans thereby appear less of threat nesting birds. although has not been studied systematically, there reports of success.