Which Australian bird is famous for defending its nest by swooping people in spring?

The Australian magpie is famous for defending its nest by swooping people in spring.

Only some magpies swoop, and the behaviour is concentrated around the breeding season, when adults defend eggs and nestlings. A swooping bird may target cyclists, runners or pedestrians that pass close to its nest, especially during the weeks after chicks hatch.

Australian magpies are intelligent songbirds with strong memories and complex vocalisations. They live in family groups and commonly forage on the ground for insects, worms and other small animals, though they may also take food from human environments.

Despite its common name, the Australian magpie is not closely related to the European magpie. It belongs to the Australasian butcherbird family Artamidae. Its black-and-white plumage and wide distribution make it one of Australia’s most recognisable urban and suburban birds.