Moreton Bay Regional Council

Swooping birds

Some native birds, including magpies, plovers, butcherbirds and crows, swoop as a defensive behaviour to protect their young. Swooping is most common during the spring breeding season, but if weather conditions are favourable some species may start breeding from late winter and continue into summer.

Students may encounter swooping birds on their way to and from school, or while inside school grounds. While being swooped can be unpleasant, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce safety risks to individuals and the community. Below is a fact sheet for your information.