Swooping Birds on Campus

Located in the bush capital of Australia, ANU provides staff and students with a unique opportunity to be close to nature on campus. It is not uncommon to encounter fauna inclusive of those natives such as possums, magpies, and native miners. While most of these interactions are positive, there has recently been an increased number of reports regarding swooping birds. Usually, these events result in nothing more than a shock to the unfortunate passer-by, but there is the potential for injury.

Birds may swoop for a variety of reasons, including:

1. General aggression – some birds such as miners tend to display more aggression toward those in their proximity
2. Protection – Birds such as magpies become more territorial during breeding seasons and increase their rate of swooping to protect their chicks
3. Food – where humans feed birds causing:
   1. Reliance as a food source, and when not provided may become persistent or aggressive 
   2. A reduction of fear of humans
4. Frequent interaction – also causing a reduction of fear towards humans, resulting in increased swooping in times of breeding.

It is important to remember that many of these birds are native and the land on which we work and study is their home. Relocation cannot be considered unless in extreme circumstances.

To reduce swooping, reduce the risk of injury, and continue to coexist there are several things we can do including:

1. Limiting interaction with wild animals
2. Clean up areas of food consumption 
3. Ensure animals are not being fed or tamed
4. Travel in groups
5. Avoid areas of nesting
6. Report swooping in your local area (to organise signage and correspondence).
   1. Notify your local area administration
   2. Enter the incident into the Figtree reporting tool, or have someone do this on your behalf

Further information about swooping birds can be found by reading the below:

• Swooping Birds Facts Sheet
• ACT Gov Swooping Birds Page