Why Birds Chase Drones (and How to Protect Your Drone)
Winging it is not a strategy when birds are involved.
You’re mid-flight, capturing smooth cinematic footage over the beach… and suddenly, out of nowhere — a magpie, seagull, or hawk zeroes in on your drone like it’s their personal punching bag. If you’ve flown long enough, you’ve likely experienced this: birds chasing, swooping, or even attacking your drone mid-air.
So why do birds hate drones? And more importantly, how do you avoid turning your flight into a feathered dogfight?
Let’s break it down.
Why Do Birds Chase Drones?
1. Territorial Behaviour
Many birds are fiercely protective of their airspace — and for good reason. During nesting and breeding seasons, species like magpies, lapwings, hawks, and seagulls become hyper-aware of anything that comes too close to their nest or young. Your drone, no matter how innocent your intentions, can be seen as a threat. And unlike humans, birds don’t issue polite warnings. They swoop, screech, divebomb, and sometimes even make physical contact to defend what’s theirs.
This behaviour is especially noticeable in Australian magpies, which are notorious for their swooping antics even toward cyclists and pedestrians. Now imagine how they feel about a buzzing, flying object that hovers at eye level and moves unpredictably. It’s like sending a flying lawn mower into their nursery — you can understand why they’re not thrilled.
The key takeaway? Birds don’t chase drones because they’re “mean.” They’re acting out of instinct to protect their territory. Unfortunately, your drone looks and sounds a lot like trouble. Flying too close to nesting sites — especially during spring — is like poking a bear with a propeller. It’s best to avoid their space altogether.
2. Curiosity or Confusion
Not all bird-drone interactions are aggressive — some are just the result of natural curiosity. Birds are highly visual creatures, and drones can be downright fascinating. They’re fast, shiny, make weird noises, and often hover in ways that mimic how birds of prey scan for food. To a curious bird, your drone might seem like an oversized insect, a rival bird, or a weird flying snack.
Seagulls, swallows, and crows in particular are known to circle or follow drones without making contact. They’ll often fly alongside, studying the movement or attempting to match its speed. While it might look like they’re chasing or attacking, they may simply be trying to figure out what this strange object is — and whether it’s worth engaging with.
However, curiosity can still be dangerous. Birds that get too close can be struck by spinning propellers, or cause a crash if your drone suddenly changes course to avoid them. Even if no harm is done, a curious bird flying into your shot can ruin your footage. That’s why it’s wise to stay alert and adjust your flight path if birds seem too interested in your new toy.
3. Hunting Instinct
Birds of prey are the aerial apex predators of the animal kingdom — and they don’t take kindly to competition. Drones that fly too high or resemble small animals can trigger a predator’s hunting response. Species like eagles, falcons, kites, and hawks are known to engage with drones mid-air, often with claws out and alarming accuracy. There have been multiple reports of drones being intercepted and literally snatched out of the sky.
To these hunters, your drone might resemble a bat, a gliding rodent, or just an intruder that needs to be taken down. The higher and slower your drone flies, the more likely it is to resemble prey or a rival. This is especially true in remote areas or mountainous terrain where large raptors tend to hunt. And while it might sound like an incredible wildlife encounter, the aftermath is usually one broken drone, lost footage, and one very confused (and possibly irritated) bird.
It’s worth noting that birds of prey are protected in many regions, and causing injury to them — even accidentally — could lead to fines or legal issues. If you notice a raptor in the area while flying, it’s best to descend and land safely. No shot is worth risking the safety of wildlife — or your drone.
Real Risks of Bird Encounters
While a curious bird might simply fly alongside your drone, territorial or aggressive species can pose a serious threat. Mid-air collisions can damage propellers, interfere with your gimbal stabilisation, or trigger emergency landings — especially over water or remote terrain. It’s not just about losing your drone; you could also cause harm to the bird, which may lead to legal consequences if the species is protected.
In some cases, birds have knocked drones out of the air entirely. If a drone crashes into hard ground, trees, or saltwater, it’s often a write-off. Even near misses can send a drone off course, forcing GPS recalibration or emergency descent. It only takes one unexpected swoop to turn a peaceful flight into a chaotic rescue mission.
Aside from the physical risk, repeated harassment of local wildlife — intentional or not — can be a violation of drone laws. In many countries, including Australia, drone pilots are required to avoid disturbing animals. That includes flying too close to nesting areas, colonies, or protected coastal zones. Read more: Where Can You Fly a Drone
How to Protect Your Drone from Birds
1. Avoid Flying Near Nesting Areas
During spring and summer, birds are often raising young and will aggressively defend nesting areas. Avoid flying near known rookeries, cliffs, bushland, and urban trees that appear noisy or active with birdlife. Keeping a respectful distance helps protect wildlife and keeps your drone safe from sudden attacks.
If you’re flying in a new location, spend a few minutes watching the sky before takeoff. Look for signs of bird activity, particularly species known for swooping (like magpies or plovers). If you notice warning calls or birds circling above, consider choosing another spot.
Some councils or parks may even post signs warning of nesting zones. Respecting these boundaries isn’t just ethical — it’s often a requirement under aviation or environmental laws.
2. Don’t Hover — Keep Moving
Hovering in one spot for too long can make your drone seem like a predator. Birds may interpret it as a threat — especially if you’re directly above a tree or nest. Continuous hovering also draws more attention than smooth, flowing movement.
Instead, aim to fly purposefully. If you’re getting cinematic shots, use smooth flight paths and avoid pausing in the air unless absolutely necessary. Keeping your drone moving makes it less interesting to birds and less likely to trigger defensive behaviour.
Related: Beginner Drone Flying Tips
3. Use a Spotter
When possible, bring a second person with you on your flights. While you’re focused on the screen or telemetry, your spotter can scan the skies for incoming birds, warning you before things escalate. They can also help track the drone visually in case of an emergency descent or evasive manoeuvre.
Having a second set of eyes is especially helpful in open environments like beaches, parks, or farmland — where large birds can appear quickly from a distance. If you’re flying solo, stop every minute or so to quickly scan the sky and check for circling birds.
This simple step can help avoid bird strikes and give you peace of mind as you focus on capturing the shot.
4. Descend and Retreat
If a bird starts swooping your drone, don’t panic. The safest response is to descend immediately to a lower altitude and fly away in a calm, straight line. Avoid fast spins or erratic moves, which may provoke further pursuit or confuse your drone’s stabilisation system.
Descending quickly gets your drone out of the bird’s preferred airspace. Most birds are more confident up high and will stop following once you’re lower to the ground and moving away. Land if necessary and wait a few minutes before retrying a flight in a different direction or altitude.
Related: What to Do if You Crash Your Drone
5. Avoid Bright Colours and Flashy Skins
While evidence is still anecdotal, some drone pilots believe colourful skins or accessories attract more bird attention. High-contrast designs or reflective parts might trigger curiosity or aggression. Flying a matte, neutral-coloured drone may help you stay unnoticed.
This isn’t a guaranteed fix, but it’s worth trying if you’ve experienced repeated bird encounters. Keeping your drone looking less like a flashy intruder and more like a boring background object may reduce the chances of being targeted.
Remember: stealth is often the best defence in the sky.
6. Review Footage and Note Patterns
After each flight, review your footage — not just for editing, but for situational awareness. Were birds circling in a specific area? Did they respond to a particular height or direction? Over time, you’ll learn what triggers bird attention and how to avoid it next time.
Keep a small notebook or digital log where you note any bird interactions: location, species, time of day, and weather. These records become valuable when planning future flights and choosing safer altitudes or locations to fly.
Over time, your “bird map” will help you fly more confidently and responsibly.
Can Drones and Birds Coexist?
Absolutely — with some awareness and respect, drones and birds can share the skies peacefully. As drone pilots, we have a responsibility to avoid disturbing wildlife while protecting our gear. It starts with observation and ends with small but smart decisions in how, where, and when we fly.
Keep your distance, move with purpose, and know when it’s time to land. Birds were here long before drones — and they’ll still be here long after the battery dies. The more we learn to read their behaviour, the better our chances of capturing great footage without conflict.
If you’re wondering what this looks like in real life — it’s not always a gentle warning swoop. During one of my drone flights on the Gold Coast, I experienced a full-blown magpie standoff, complete with dive-bombing, aerial drama, and a couple of very suspicious birds who didn’t stop tracking me even after I packed up. Read the full story of how my drone (and I) got stalked by magpies here.
Explore Drone Guides for safe and scenic places to fly.
FAQs About Birds Chasing Drones
Why do birds attack drones?
Birds often see drones as intruders in their airspace — especially during nesting or breeding season. Territorial species like magpies, lapwings, hawks, and seagulls may swoop, chase, or even strike your drone if they feel threatened. Others may simply be curious or confused, mistaking your drone for prey or a rival bird.
Can a bird seriously damage my drone?
Yes. A direct hit from a bird — especially a larger species like a hawk, eagle, or seagull — can knock your drone out of the sky. Even a glancing blow can damage props, disrupt GPS, or trigger a crash. In some cases, birds have physically grabbed drones mid-air. Protect your drone by staying alert and descending quickly if a bird approaches.
Is it illegal to fly near birds or nesting areas?
In many regions, including Australia, drone pilots are legally required to avoid disturbing wildlife. Flying too close to birds, especially during breeding season, can violate environmental or aviation regulations. Always follow CASA’s guidelines and use apps like OpenSky to check your location.
What should I do if a bird starts chasing my drone?
The safest move is to descend immediately and retreat in a calm, straight line. Avoid sudden jerky movements or climbing higher, as this may escalate the situation. Once clear, land your drone and relocate if needed. Never try to out-fly or confront a bird — your drone will lose.
Are birds more aggressive at certain times of year?
Yes. Many species are more territorial and aggressive during spring and early summer when they’re nesting or raising chicks. In Australia, magpie swooping season runs from August to December. Avoid flying near known bird habitats or nesting zones during these months.
Can I use skins or colours to deter birds?
While not scientifically proven, some drone pilots believe neutral-coloured drones attract less attention. Bright skins or flashy decals may trigger more curiosity or aggression. Keeping your drone low-profile (and your flight smooth) may help you stay unnoticed.
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Ivana Katz is a Sydney based website designer and travel blogger. Having her own business has given her the freedom to explore the world. She believes travel is the best teacher and her passion for adventure, writing and photography has taken her and her son to some amazing places, including Hawaii, Canada, Fiji, Greece and Czech Republic. Ivana’s favourite thing about travelling is learning, discovering hidden gems and creating memories. She loves nothing more than inspiring other women to chase their dreams and explore the world with their families and friends.
