Toddler injured in 'unusual' magpie attack

Alexandra Ristway, Seven News, PerthNow

September 19, 2017 11:31am

A TWO-year-old girl is Perth’s latest magpie attack victim, but experts say the offending bird is exhibiting “really unusual behaviour”.

Little Asha O’Leary was at the Jackadder Lake in Woodlands when the magpie attacked her – flying at her from the ground.

“I can’t work it out,” Asha’s mum Helen said.

“She was just on her scooter and it was coming up from the ground.”

The Innaloo mother took a video of her daughter’s injuries to show as a warning to other parents.

“My biggest fear is that (the magpie) might attack more kids,” she said.

“I know of about four other attacks through Facebook, within only two days by the same bird.”

Ms O’Leary said the offending bird was easily identifiable because it was missing part of its beak.

“Usually when a magpie’s being aggressive, it’s a swooping behaviour,” UWA ecologist Dr Amanda Ridley said.

“Jumping up from the ground is a really unusual behaviour.”

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