Man gets swooped by aggressive plover bird in Queensland


Hilarious moment a kind man is swooped by a plover as he tries to feed the the bird’s mate some seeds fearing she had been left for dead

  • Man swooped by protective plover bird after he approaches partner’s nest 
  • He attempted to feed the female bird seeds on his front lawn in Queensland
  • Alex Webb was in shock as another bird continued to swoop at his head 

By Kirsten Jelinek For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A couple were in fits of laughter after a plover bird swooped a man as he tried to feed a nesting female some seeds.

Candice Webb, 38, and her husband Alex discovered a female plover bird protecting her eggs on their front lawn last Friday morning in Queensland.

The pair were convinced she had been abandoned by her mate as Alex slowly approached the bird with a handful of birdseeds in tow.

A man was swooped by a protective plover bird after he approaches partner's nest in his front yard in Queensland (pictured)

The man tried to feed a nesting female some seeds while she rested on their front lawn (pictured)

A man was swooped by a protective plover bird after he approaches partner’s nest in his front yard in Queensland (pictured) 

The nesting bird suddenly flew away and her mate appeared and immediately  starting swooping Alex – aiming for his Bunnings wicker hat.

‘At first, he was in shock and you could see his fear of being attacked by the way he was bending over, covering his head and running,’ Candice said.

Alex frantically threw the seeds into the air to avoid the crazed bird as his wife erupted into laughter as she continued to film the attack.

He hurriedly walked back to his wife as the manic plover continued to circle their front lawn.

Plovers are known for their aggressive nature after their chicks have hatched.

The adult birds will repeatedly dive at intruders and use loud noises or swooping actions to deter them away from their nests.

Plovers are known for their aggressive nature after their chicks have hatched and use swooping tactics and loud noises to deter intruders (pictured: stock image of plover bird)

Plovers are known for their aggressive nature after their chicks have hatched and use swooping tactics and loud noises to deter intruders (pictured: stock image of plover bird) 

Why are Plover birds aggressive?

Description: 

Plovers or Masked Lapwings are fairly large birds that have long reddish legs and large yellow facial wattles. 

They inhabit virtually the whole of Australia and are commonly found on the shores of  lakes and large grassy areas, particularly those areas cleared for pasture or parkland. 

Aggressive nature:

Plovers are very protective of their nests and chicks and adults will dive on intruders, use loud noises and swooping to lure the intruder away from the nest. 

This behavior is mostly bluff and actual contact attacks are rare. 

Regardless, it is this fearlessly protective nature that brings them into conflict with people. 

What to do if you are swooped: 

  • If you have plovers swooping in your area, try to avoid the nesting area and do not antagonise the birds.
  • If you cannot avoid the area, try not to walk directly towards the birds or make eye contact with them. Wearing a large hat or bike helmet when in their vicinity can also help.
  • If the nest site is simply in a vulnerable position, a protective fence/table/chair can be placed over the nest site so that the birds can come and go safely until the chicks are hatched.
  • If the problem cannot be avoided or solved, or if you are unsure, call WIRES for advice 1300 094 737.

 Credit: WIRES

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