Swooping bird season has landed in Brisbane and residents are being reminded to keep their eyes on the skies.
From magpies to butcherbirds, feathered locals are known to get a little defensive during breeding season, which runs from July to January and peaks in September and October.
Since July 1, Council’s been contacted 87 times about swooping birds in the suburbs. Last year more than half of all swooping incidents were reported across September and October.
In the past 12 months, New Farm was the top suburb for swooping bird reports, followed closely Brighton and Forest Lake.
More than 41 birds were relocated by wildlife experts over the 2024/25 financial year, ensuring that both birds and residents are kept safe.
Precautions residents can take to avoid swooping birds include:
- Avoiding the swoop area during breeding season
- Travelling in a group. Most birds only swoop individuals
- Not panicking or running when swooped, as this only encourages a swooping bird to continue its attack
- Wearing a hat or use an umbrella over your head to keep a swooping bird at a safe distance
- Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Cyclists should dismount and walk away from the swooping zone
Residents should also avoid:
- Deliberately provoking birds as this may make them more aggressive
- Destroying nests as the birds may re-nest and extend the breeding season
- Feeding or trying to befriend swooping birds
Find more information on swooping birds on our website brisbane.qld.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and our unique biodiversity is a big part of what makes it special.
“We take swooping bird season seriously and work with wildlife experts to keep our feathered friends and the community safe.
“With the peak of swooping season here, it’s a timely reminder to be alert that we share our city with wildlife.
“If residents witness a swooping bird, please let Council know so we can monitor the bird and install signage to warn other residents.”
Quotes attributable to Civic Cabinet Chair for Environment, Parks and Sustainability Tracy Davis
“We want residents to stay alert and follow warning signs during swooping bird season.
“We place simple and highly-visible signs in reported swooping locations to ensure people are aware and can take the necessary precautions to keep safe.
“Magpies are protecting their young, but with care and caution, we can keep people safe and enjoying our fantastic outdoor lifestyle.”
FOR THE EDITOR:
- Top swooping suburbs for 2025/26 to date:
| SUBURB | NUMBER OF REPORTS |
| Forest Lake | 7 |
| Wakerley | 6 |
| Carindale | 4 |
| Oxley | 4 |
| Bald Hills | 4 |
| The Gap | 4 |
- Top swooping suburbs for 2024/25:
| SUBURB | NUMBER OF REPORTS |
| New Farm | 21 |
| Brighton | 18 |
| Forest Lake | 15 |
| Everton Park | 14 |
| Bald Hills | 13 |
| Coorparoo | 13 |
