There are at least 17 species of magpies and they are found across many continents including Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia (Oceania) where this footage was captured. We know that magpies are highly intelligent birds that can live for up to 30 years. The Eurasian magpie, also called the common magpie, is considered one of the most intelligent birds on the planet. In terms of brain-to-body mass ratio, it is equal to aquatic mammals and great apes. Some indicators of their intelligence include making and using tools, imitating human speech, playing games and working as teams. They can also recognize their reflection. However as the video at the bottom of this page shows, they can also be aggressive towards humans.
What Is the Relationship Between Magpies and Humans?
Magpie-human interaction can best be described as a love-hate relationship. This bird has featured in folklore for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, they were associated with magic and fortune telling. In Scandinavia, it was believed that witches both rode on magpies and turned into them and in Germany they are associated with the underworld. Scottish folklore even claims that they have a drop of the devil’s blood on their tongues!
It’s not all about negativity though and in North American folklore things are a lot more positive. Native Americans believed magpies were a friend of hunter gatherer tribes.
Some people love magpies and other people loathe them. Experts believe that magpies can remember human faces, so be careful what you say to them!
©Azahara Perez/Shutterstock.com
How Often Do Magpies Attack Humans?
During peak breeding season, Australian magpies swoop at humans but there is debate over whether this is defensive or aggressive. It is termed the ‘swooping season’. Researchers have shown that only 10 percent of Australian magpies swoop and that it is often learned behavior after a bad experience with a human. It is carried out by male magpies who are protecting their young. Magpie attacks on humans have been recorded. According to the magpie alert data base, there were 1395 attacks in New South Wales alone. Most are on cyclists. Incredibly, some human deaths have been recorded where swooping magpies have caused people to fall or crash bikes.
How Can You Protect Yourself From a Magpie Attack?
The official advice from the Government of South Australia is that you should stay away from known magpie nesting sites and travel in groups. Also, carry an umbrella, wear sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat.
If you are on a bike, get off it! Walk along pushing the bike and have a flag on the back that is higher than your head. Do not start shouting and waving your arms around. The birds will interpret that as aggression and will want to attack you even more – both this year and in years to come. Walk and don’t run and never, ever make eye contact!
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