Spring is high season for swooping magpie attacks so we’re advised to take precautions around places where magpies nest.

They’re one of several native birds who are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often swoop at unsuspecting passers-by if they feel threatened.

Try wearing a hat if out walking.

Incidentally, the Australian Magpie is black and white, but the plumage pattern varies across its range. Its nape, upper tail and shoulder are white in males, grey in females. Across most of Australia, the remainder of the body is black. In the south-east, centre, extreme south-west and Tasmania, the back and rump are entirely white. The eye of adult birds is chestnut brown.