Protecting yourself during a magpie attack is a springtime ritual that Canberrans are all too familiar with.
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Now, a new report has confirmed the ACT as one of the leading hot spots in the country for attacks.
The report, compiled by comparison website finder.com.au using figures from online database Magpie Alert, found four Canberra suburbs made up the top 10 suburbs in the country for the number of magpie attacks reported in 2017.
Acton came in at number two on the list, with 24 recorded attacks, with Yarralumla just behind at number three with 17 attacks.
Only Glenwood, in Sydney's north-west, had more magpie attacks this year with 30 recorded incidents.
Barton also made the top 10, coming in at sixth with 12 attacks and Curtin rounded out the top 10.
Despite the national capital having a relatively low population compared to other states or territories, Canberra was over-represented in the report with the most suburbs in the top 10.
Cyclists were the most at risk from attacks, making up more than two-thirds of all incidents, while attacks on pedestrians made up 22 per cent of incidents.
Just 16 per cent of all swoopings reported resulted in injuries.
According to Magpie Alert, there have been 558 swoopings reported this year in Canberra, with the ACT making up 16.5 per cent of attacks nationally.
By comparison, NSW made up 26 per cent of magpie attacks, followed by Queensland on 24.9 per cent and Victoria on 21.7 per cent.
Jon Clark, the creator of Magpie Alert, said the number of swoopings in Canberra has increased in 2017, with ACT attacks making up 11 per cent of national swoopings reported in 2016.
"It's difficult to say as to why Canberra is over represented, but it could be due to more people using the website to report attacks," he said.
"What we have been finding is that a lot of magpies are swooping in the same places year in and year out."
While spring is often the peak time for magpie attacks across the country, data from Magpie Alert has shown attacks began to increase as early as late July.
Magpie attacks reported to the database peaked during September, making up 61 per cent of attacks, followed by August at 35 per cent.
The ACT government has advised for residents to protect their head with a hat or a helmet and to wear glasses to protect their eyes in the event of a swooping.
Pet owners are being warned to prevent dogs and cats attacking the birds, as this may encourage swooping in the area.
