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Attack of the Magpie-lark

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G’day all

A first for me today. I was swooped and had my helmet struck by a Magpie-lark while I was riding to and from work. The spot was notorious for an aggressive Magpie over the years but that individual has departed and the Magpie-lark seems intent on continuing the tradition. I could only find a couple of references to this behaviour and they seemed to all relate to an individual in an Adelaide park.

Anyone else seen this behaviour with Magpie-larks? I must have a look in HANZAB.

Cheers Steve Clark Hamilton, Victoria ===============================

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Comments

4 responses to “Attack of the Magpie-lark”

  1. "SeanDooley" Avatar
    “SeanDooley”

    Hey Steve,

    A few years ago when I was living in Carlton in inner Melbourne, I would be regularly attacked by a Magpie-lark as I would walk along Princes St. Interestingly, it would only go me when I was wearing a black vinyl jacket. I suspect it must have had a bad experience with someone in that kind of attire as it would totally leave me alone if I wore another jacket.

    Then again, maybe it just had a good sense of fashion.

    Sean

  2. "Greg & Val Clancy" Avatar
    “Greg & Val Clancy”

    I undertsand that a man was killed when he was attacked by a Magpie-lark. I can’t remember what specifically caused his death. Maybe someone on the list has more details.

    Dr Greg. P. Clancy Ecologist and Wildlife Guide Coutts Crossing NSW

  3. "Jon Irvine" Avatar
    “Jon Irvine”

    Hi Belinda,

    Re Willie Wagtail: Just by coincidence I have just posted a couple of old shots on Flickr (after discussion of Willie vs Sea-eagle on EagleCam chat) of a Willie Wagtail “Crow Surfing” here:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/calidris-photos/

    They have some bravado don’t they!

    Cheers,

    Jono

  4. "Gemfyre" Avatar
    “Gemfyre”

    I was swooped just a few weeks ago by a Magpie Lark at Alfred Cove, I have also been swooped by them in the past. They don’t seem quite as vicious as some magpies, but they are just as enthusiastic. I’ve also been swooped by Willie Wagtails.

    Belinda Stirling W.A.

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