How coronavirus could create a bumper magpie season this year

A bird expert has warned this year’s magpie swooping season may be worse than usual, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sean Dooley, the national public affairs manager at Birdlife Australia told 3AW new research out to Queensland suggests magpies aren’t too fond of face masks - which are mandatory in Victoria and strongly recommended in NSW, where social distancing can’t be maintained.

Magpies can recognise up to 100 faces, Mr Dooley explained, and wearing a mask might make it harder for them to do so.

Speaking to Neil Mitchell on 3AW on Tuesday, Mr Dooley explained how face coverings might lead to more magpie attacks this year.

“The researchers actually put masks on and the magpies would only swoop them when they were wearing a certain type of mask, because they had done some type of behaviour that made the magpies fearful for its young,” he said.

“What we’re really fascinated with especially in Melbourne in lockdown everyone’s wearing masks, people aren’t out as much but when they are out they’re walking their local neighbourhood and the magpie may know you and know you’re okay, but if you’re wearing a mask they may not be able to recognise you.”

• Coronavirus warning for Sydney residents as shocking photos emerge from beach party

• The 'serious error' Australia made in fight against coronavirus

• Coronavirus Victoria: Disturbing trend could delay 'new phase' of lockdown

Meaning, if someone in a certain mask threatens a magpie, someone else wearing a similar or the same mask could potentially come a target.

Mr Dooley said the peak of the swooping season is in September, but there have already been reports of attacks, signalling an early start to swooping season.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.