Australian cyclists are turning to unconventional tactics like party hats and learning 'magpie etiquette' to avoid swooping attacks. Experts say understanding magpies' social behavior and customs can help prevent encounters.
Cyclists are the number one target of a swooping magpie, according to MagpieAlert, a public database of attacks in Australia . Cyclists are the number one target of a swooping magpie, according to MagpieAlert, a public database of attacks in Australia .From donning ‘pie-proof’ bike helmets to conversing with the songbirds, the key to avoiding avian conflict might be learning to speak their language, experts sayDown a gravel track in the backblocks west of Ipswich ride six middle-aged women.
The University of New England emeritus professor in animal behaviour, Gisela Kaplan, says “there is a lot of etiquette associated with the social behaviour of magpies, a lot of rules”. “You do not want to undermine the parent’s authority,” she says. “I would almost say their bird behavioural repertoire is reminiscent of Victorian England.Each week our editors select five of the most interesting, entertaining and thoughtful reads published by Guardian Australia and our international colleagues.
Magpies Australia Bird Attacks Cyclists Safety
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian chef Maggie Beer in hospital after fall at South Australian homeIn a statement on social media on Sunday night, her family said she suffered minor bone fractures and related injuries.
Read more »
Tickets on sale: It’s the Big Australian vs the Australian governmentSo intense has the standoff between BHP and the Albanese government become that the parties are even contesting who started the fight.
Read more »
Australian house prices: All sectors of the Australian economy are being hit by housingAustralia’s housing woes are causing policymakers, investors and households to make decisions they might not ordinarily make. But to fix it, we need to escape a vicious cycle.
Read more »
Tickets on sale: It’s the Big Australian vs the Australian governmentSo intense has the standoff between BHP and the Albanese government become that the parties are even contesting who started the fight.
Read more »
Tickets on sale: It’s the Big Australian vs the Australian governmentSo intense has the standoff between BHP and the Albanese government become that the parties are even contesting who started the fight.
Read more »
David Speirs warns SA Liberal Party could 'go backwards' at 2026 South Australian electionFormer South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs has not held back in his assessment both of his successor's fledgling leadership and his party's chances at the next state election, saying there is a 'level of shambolic-ness about what's going on'.
Read more »