Magpie-swooping season could be worse in Victoria this year as face masks confuse birds

Magpies can recognise people and tend to swoop those they see as a threat, but with everyone in masks, they may struggle to distinguish individuals

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Just like the red rag to a bull, compulsory masks could spell a particularly nasty Victorian magpie-swooping season.

One birdlife expert is speculating swooping might be worse than usual because magpies will find it harder to recognise people.