Where “Magpie” Comes From
The Australian magpie is a common black-and-white bird known for its beautiful warbling song. Despite the name, it isn’t related to the European magpie.
In spring, some male magpies swoop at people who come near their nests, and the word is a regular part of Australian talk about the season.
“A magpie swooped me on my way to school.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it in spring, when people swap stories about being swooped.
In Real Life
Magpie season runs through spring, roughly August to October, when birds defend their nests. Most magpies never swoop, and those that do usually target a few spots. Cyclists fit cable ties to their helmets, kids wear ice cream containers on their heads and councils put up warning signs. The magpie’s song is one of the sounds most associated with the Australian morning.
Quick Questions
Why do magpies swoop?
They’re protecting their nests and chicks during breeding season, usually from late winter to spring.
How can you avoid being swooped?
Avoid the area if you can. If you can’t, walk quickly away from the nest, keep your eyes on the bird, and wear a hat or helmet.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: MAG-pie.
In conversation:
- Watch out, there’s a magpie nesting.
- The magpie carolled all morning.
- He wears a helmet in swooping season.
Good to know: Only some magpies swoop, and only during nesting season. Walking quickly away from the nest and wearing a hat or helmet can help.
See also: Galah, Kookaburra, Bin Chicken
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