The Big Swoop
Height
3 meters
Year Built
2015
Address
Civic, Canberra, ACT 2601
The Lowdown
The Big Swoop in Canberra's Civic precinct captures one of Australia's most notorious wildlife experiences - the magpie swoop. This dramatic sculpture depicts a magpie mid-dive, wings spread and beak forward, in the classic attack pose that terrorizes cyclists, pedestrians, and posties across Australia every spring. Australian magpies are highly territorial during nesting season (August to November), and their precision dive-bombing has become a uniquely Australian rite of passage. The Big Swoop celebrates this love-hate relationship between Australians and their black-and-white feathered neighbors with a touch of humor, reminding us that even our wildlife has attitude.
Did you know?
"Only about 10% of male magpies swoop, but they're very dedicated"
History
The Big Swoop was installed around 2015 to celebrate (or commiserate) Australia's relationship with swooping magpies. Every spring, magpies defend their nests by swooping on anyone who enters their territory. Canberra is particularly known for its magpie population, with various tracking maps helping residents avoid known swooping hotspots.
More Fun Facts
- •Only about 10% of male magpies swoop, but they're very dedicated
- •Magpies can recognize individual humans and remember those who've threatened them
- •Various websites and apps track swooping hotspots in Australian cities
- •Wearing sunglasses on the back of your head can deter swoops
- •The Australian magpie is not related to the European magpie - it's a butcherbird
Visiting Tips
- 💡Swooping season is August-November - wear a helmet!
- 💡Real magpies won't swoop if you befriend them year-round
- 💡The sculpture makes great photos pretending to be attacked
- 💡Civic has excellent restaurants, cafes, and shopping
- 💡Canberra's magpies are particularly well-documented
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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