Pecking order: Worst Brisbane suburbs for swooping revealed
As swooping season officially begins, here’s a list of Brisbane hotspots known for bird attacks.
Coorparoo heads the list of worst suburbs in Brisbane for bird swooping over the breeding season, new data reveals.
Brisbane City Council received 311 reports of swooping birds from magpies to plovers over the past 12 months.
Most of these were reported during the breeding months of September and October, the council said.
As well as Cooraroo, Carindale and Runcorn were named as top hotspots – marking a shift south from last year’s top three suburbs for swooping; New Farm, Brighton and Forest Lake.
Last year 18 birds were relocated to protect residents, the council said.
“Brisbane’s wildlife is part of what makes our city such a great place to live, and spring is when some native birds become more protective of their nests,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in a statement.
“If you come across a swooping bird, report it to us so we can monitor the area and install warning signs to help keep people safe.”
Schrinner said residents can reduce the risk of being swooped by avoiding known hotspots, staying calm and wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella.
“A little extra awareness can help you avoid an unwelcome encounter while enjoying our parks, bikeways and suburbs,” he said.
Residents should avoid deliberately provoking birds, destroying nests, feeding or trying to “befriend” swooping birds, the council said in a statement.
In 2021, a baby died after an incident involving a swooping magpie at a Brisbane park.
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Paramedics said the infant girl was critically injuries after her mother tripped and fell while trying to avoid the bird on Sunday afternoon at Glindemann Park in Holland Park West.
Australia’s magpie swooping season occurs between July and December, with a peak in September.
Top 10 Brisbane swooping suburbs 2025-26
- Coorparoo 14
- Carindale 12
- Runcorn 9
- Mount Gravatt East 8
- Camp Hill 8
- Hendra 8
- Lota 7
- New Farm 6
- Newstead 6
- Mansfield 6
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