Magpies attack to protect their eggs from any danger and predators. They attack on the eyes to distract their enemies. When the breeding season starts, they show aggressive behavior that leads to their attacking nature.
They are beautiful birds having vocal abilities through which they tell their fellow beings about the risk. They have a black appearance through which they can distract their enemies.
In this article, I will tell you:
- Territorial nature of magpies
- Key characteristics of magpies
- Reasons of aggressive behavior of magpies
- Facts behind the breeding season of magpies
- Targets of magpies attacks
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s start without wasting time!
Territorial Nature of Magpies
Magpies are known for their territorial nature. It means that they consider only a specific area as their home ground. These areas include different feeding spots, nests and shelter places etc, where they rest and feel secure. When the breeding season starts, they become protectors and defend each other from threats.
Key Characteristics of Magpies
The characteristics of magpies include:
- Breeding Season Aggression: Magpies’ breeding season starts in August and ends in October. During this period, magpies show great aggressive behavior.
- Defending Offspring: During the breeding season, magpies need protection for their youngsters to protect them from danger including humans and animals.
- Warning Calls: Magpies have the good vocal ability. They start vocalisation to inform other follow beings about the threat and warning to remain away from their nesting spots.
Understanding Magpies’ Attacking Behavior
It is very important to understand the attacking behaviour of magpies. Usually, they don’t attack without any reason. They are the defenders of their eggs and nests. If they feel any threat, they respond aggressively. During this period, if you come close to them, they will feel insecure and consider you as predators.
Reasons for Magpies’ Aggression
As a magpie lover, here I will tell you a few reasons for magpies’ aggression.
- Protecting Their Young: Magpies are considered the most protective parents. They attack their predators to protect their ends from danger. They see attacks as a natural way to protect their eggs.
- Fear of Predators: Predators of magpies are usually larger animals. By swooping, they can easily see any potential danger around their nests. Through swooping, they easily scare of other animals.
- Increasing Urban Presence: Due to the increase in urban areas, there is more interaction between human beings and magpies leading to more frequent and subsequent attacks by magpies.
Magpies’ Attack
Magpies’ attacks are usually sudden and it can frighten you, if a magpie is very close to you. Frequent attacks threaten the lives of birds as well as human beings. Sometimes magpies attack cause serious injuries and sometimes lead to death, if the attack is severe.
Signs of Attack by Magpies
The main signs of attacks by magpies include:
- Swooping: Magpies usually swoop to come close to the head and shoulder of the enemy that is a sign of attack.
- Repeated Fly-Bys: If the intruder remains in the same place and isn’t frightened by the attack of magpies, then they start frequent and repeated fly-bys.
- Vocal Aggression: Their vocal aggression is also a sign of their attack. They start loud warning calls to threaten their enemy or intruder.
Time Period of Magpies’ Attack
There are specific times in a year when magpies exhibit aggressive behaviour. Mainly summer and spring seasons are the periods for them to raise their young ones. During this period, if they feel any threat, they exhibit aggressive behaviour and start attacking.
Facts Behind Breeding Season of Magpies
- Timing: The breeding season of magpies usually lasts from August to October. In this period, they become protective.
- Nest Locations: Their nesting areas are usually dense shrubs, tall trees, parks, roadsides, tall buildings, roofs of houses etc.
- Short Duration: When the chick grows to an older age, then magpies leave the nest and exhibit less aggressive behaviour.
Targets of Magpies’ Attacks
Everyone is not at risk of the attacks of magpies. Certain people and activities attract magpies’ attention and threaten them.
Common Targets
- Cyclists: Fast movements and cyclists mainly grabs the attention of magpies. If they frequently pass through their territory, then they see them as their target to attack.
- Joggers and Walkers: If walkers and joggers often go near their nesting areas, then they feel a threat and start attacking them.
- Pets: Animals like cats and dogs that come close to them, are their main targets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How To Prevent Yourself From Magpies’ Attacks?
If you want to save yourself from the attack of magpies, then the best way to keep yourself calm and leave the magpies’ areas immediately. As a magpie lover, here I will tell you some ways to prevent yourself from a magpies attack:
- Protect Your Head and Face: Use masks and hats to cover your head and face from the attacks of magpies.
- Do Not Run: If you feel any aggressive behaviour from magpies, then it is better to walk slowly and calmly. If you start running or walking quickly around them, they will immediately attack you.
- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: If you make direct eye contact with them, they will remember your appearance and if you start moving frequently around them, they will attack you.
Why Do Magpies Swoop Cyclists?
Magpies swoop cyclists because that they are their enemies. They start swooping to protect their nesting areas. Cyclists have rapid movements and large size. They can trigger the magpies’ defensive system. The swooping behavior is only for protection of their eggs.
Conclusion
Aggressive behaviour of magpies is natural for the protection of their young ones. Through this natural behaviour, they can protect their young ones. For some people, this behaviour of magpies is intimidating, but it is important to remember that this action is only for the protection of their offsprings. By understanding their behaviour, you can easily prevent yourself from their frequent attacks. Less interaction with them is a useful technique to avoid attacks by magpies.
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Thanks for reading!
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I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!