The iconic black and white bird is a suburban mascot, and can often be spotted looking for insects and grubs in the grass to feast upon.

But with breeding season now here, our loveable larrikins will now turn into defence mode until October as they protect their nests and the next generation of Magpies.

Phil King, Director of Infrastructure and Operations at Griffith City Council, there has already been a number of Magpie 'swooping' incidents in recent weeks.

According to Mr King, whilst swooping may been seen as aggressive, the behaviour is a parent magpie's natural reaction to perceived threats to their young who may happen to walk, cycle or sit in the vicinity of the nest.

"Only nine percent of birds swoop to ward off intruders and swooping is generally limited to an area of around 100 metres radius around the nesting tree," Mr King said.

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On average, 'swooping season' usually only lasts for six weeks while baby Magpies are in their nests and vulnerable and can see the birds do anything from non contact swoops to beak snapping, pecking, dive bombing and sometimes front on attacks from the ground.

Known swooping areas in Griffith include the likes of City Park and Ted Scobie Oval, and the community is encouraged to be smart about living alongside magpies during the next weeks to minimise the chances of being swooped.

"Firstly, try to avoid travelling through a known swooping area, take a different route if possible and wear a hat or bring an umbrella to protect your eyes," Mr King said.

"If you are being swooped, leave the area quickly and quietly and make sure not to run."

Whilst Magpies are protected by law in NSW, this has not stopped individuals from attempting to ward off the bird.

"Unfortunately, despite legal protection, some people antagnoise birds by throwing objects at them or scaring them," Mr King said.

"However some magpies become even more aggressive as a result."

If a magpie is considered to be a serious menace, it can be reported to the National Parks and Wildlife Service if an attack occurs in public bushland or on private property.

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