When Gabrielle Fracalossi's doorbell camera captured her desperate escape from a relentless magpie two weeks ago, she had no idea the footage would rack up over 4.2 million views on social media.
But as swooping season 2025 proves to be one of the most intense on record, her terrifying encounter has struck a nerve with Australians nationwide.
More than a thousand attacks have already been logged on the community tracking site Magpie Alert this year, including over a hundred leading to serious injuries.
With two months of swooping season still ahead, experts are warning this could be the worst year yet for human-magpie conflicts.
The footage from Maidstone in Melbourne's west shows Gabrielle moments after exiting her car, screaming as the magpie repeatedly jumps on her head and chases her up the driveway.
What makes the attack particularly disturbing is its sustained ferocity—this wasn't a warning swoop, but what leading bird expert Professor Darryl Jones describes as genuinely vicious behaviour.
When magpies declare war
Professor Jones, a behavioural ecologist at Griffith University who has spent over 30 years studying magpie behaviour, confirms that magpies can recognise individual people and remember them for years.
'That's a really vicious magpie she's got, it's really going for her, which is horrible. I think she's one of those people who has unfortunately been singled out,' he said.
The escalation in Gabrielle's case followed a predictable but alarming pattern. It began three weeks ago with a single warning swoop near her bins, progressed to three swoops on her back deck, then actual head contact on the third encounter, before culminating in the viral attack that has horrified viewers worldwide.
'That's a really vicious magpie she's got, it's really going for her, which is horrible. I think she's one of those people who has unfortunately been singled out'
Some magpies target specific individuals for unknown reasons, and with their ability to live up to 30 years and remember up to 100 different faces, once you're on their list, you may stay there. This explains why Gabrielle, in her third year at the property, suddenly found herself under siege.
The 2025 swooping season: By the numbers
This year's magpie mayhem is supported by stark statistics that should concern anyone venturing outdoors. According to Magpie Alert data from 2024, a staggering 67.2 per cent of reported swoops happened while people were riding bikes, making cyclists prime targets.
However, there's some reassuring news buried in the data. While 3,563 magpie attacks were recorded across Australia in 2024, only 13 per cent resulted in injury.
The reality is that fewer than 10 per cent of male magpies actually swoop people, and most of those that do make harmless near-misses rather than contact.
Swooping season facts for 2025
Swooping season typically runs from August to October, peaking in September
Approximately 90 per cent of male magpies won't swoop, and females typically don't swoop at all
Each magpie will only swoop for around 6-8 weeks after laying eggs
Magpies typically swoop pedestrians within 50 metres of their nest, or 100 metres for cyclists
Why some magpies become suburban terrorists
Magpie swooping isn't aggressive behaviour but a defensive strategy to deter potential predators that may harm their young. To a magpie, the faster you're moving, the greater the threat, which is why cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers are common targets.
It's the expectant father magpie that defends the nest from when eggs are laid until the young birds fledge, using the same protective instincts we'd applaud in any parent.
The problem arises when magpies interpret running away screaming with arms flailing as confirmation that you're a threat needing swooping.
Professor Jones notes that attacking magpies are usually specialists, targeting either pedestrians, cyclists, or posties, but won't attack other types. This specialisation suggests learned behaviour rather than random aggression.
Safety strategies for older Australians
For those over 60, magpie encounters pose additional risks beyond the initial fright. A sudden swoop can cause falls, and the startle response may be more pronounced than in younger people.
Essential safety strategies for seniors
- Walk in groups—swooping birds usually only target individuals
- Wear sunglasses and a hat or helmet to protect your face
- If swooped, bring your forearm to your head, look down and walk away calmly
- If cycling, dismount immediately and walk through the attack zone
- Change your route for 6-8 weeks during breeding season
- Try drawing eyes on the back of your hat—birds are less likely to attack if they think you're watching
The most crucial advice? Don't run or cycle away quickly, as most recorded injuries occur when people try to avoid being attacked, especially when cycling.
The controversial feeding solution
In Gabrielle's unique situation, Professor Jones has made a rare recommendation: try feeding the magpie. This advice goes against usual wildlife management principles, but her circumstances are exceptional.
'I think it's one of those rare situations where it would be worth her putting out some food. Because that does work,' he explained. 'She lives in the territory of the magpie, and by feeding it and making it associate her with something nice, it could turn its behaviour around.'
Some claim that hand-feeding magpies can reduce swooping risk, as magpies become accustomed to humans and see them as less threatening to nesting birds. However, this strategy should only be attempted in extreme cases like Gabrielle's, where the nest is directly above someone's home.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Magpies rarely swoop people in Tasmania, though the reason for their relaxed attitude toward humans remains unknown. Meanwhile, mainland magpies can remember many different human faces and have very long memories—if you've been swooped before, or even look like someone they swooped last year, you're likely to get the same treatment again.
Living with our feathered neighbours
Australian magpies can live 25-30 years and are curious, often friendly garden visitors outside breeding season. They're beneficial to agriculture and gardens because they feed on pest insects, making them valuable neighbours despite their seasonal aggression.
While magpies are protected native species and it's illegal to kill or harm them, some states provide exceptions allowing particularly aggressive birds to be killed if they attack humans. More commonly, aggressive birds are caught and relocated to unpopulated areas.
The community response to Gabrielle's viral video has been mixed—some found it hilarious, others called it their 'worst nightmare.' But perhaps the most telling responses came from fellow magpie victims sharing their own war stories and survival strategies.
Surviving swooping season 2025
With most swooping occurring between August and October according to Magpie Alert statistics, we're right in the thick of danger season. When fledglings leave the nest, defensive behaviour decreases, but until then, vigilance is key.
For those wanting to track swooping activity in their area, the community-driven Magpie Alert website provides real-time mapping of attacks across Australia. If you feel a magpie is a serious menace, it should be reported to your local council.
What This Means For You
Remember, magpies are only trying to protect their babies. Respect their space, protect your face, and stay safe. While encounters like Gabrielle's make headlines, they remain relatively rare. With proper precautions and understanding of magpie behaviour, most of us can navigate swooping season unscathed.
Have you had your own magpie encounter this season? We'd love to hear your survival stories and tips for fellow readers in the comments below.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/doorbell-...-worst-magpie-attacks-horrible-060621700.html
Watch out! Magpie swooping season has begun in Australia—here’s how to avoid being attacked
Cited text: This year, more than a thousand attacks have already been logged on Magpie Alert, including a hundred-odd leading to serious injuries.
Excerpt: More than a thousand attacks have already been logged on community tracking site Magpie Alert this year, including over a hundred leading to serious injuries
https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/magpie-swooping-season-in-australia-091225
Magpies remember people for years, expert says—The Source News
Cited text: Griffith University behaviour ecologist Darryl Jones said magpies recognise people and can remember them for years.
Excerpt: Professor Jones, a behavioural ecologist at Griffith University who has spent over 30 years studying magpie behaviour, confirms that magpies can recognise individual people and remember them for years
https://thesourcenews.com/2017/09/18/magpies-remember-people-for-years-expert-says/
Magpie swooping season Victoria: safety tips | RACV
Cited text: Magpies may target specific, seemingly non-threatening individuals for unknown reasons. The birds are extremely good at remembering faces and live lon...
Excerpt: Some magpies target specific individuals for unknown reasons, and with their ability to live up to 30 years and remember up to 100 different faces, once you're on their list, you may stay there
https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/news/community/magpie-swooping-season-victoria-advice.html
Magpie swooping season Victoria: safety tips | RACV
Cited text: This includes people on bicycles, who are often a prime target for swooping—MagpieAlert data notes that for 2024, 67.2 per cent of reported swoops h...
Excerpt: According to Magpie Alert data from 2024, a staggering 67.2 per cent of reported swoops happened while people were riding bikes
https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/news/community/magpie-swooping-season-victoria-advice.html
Magpie swooping season Victoria: safety tips | RACV
Cited text: In 2024, the website recorded 3,563 magpie swoop attacks across Australia, of which only 13 per cent resulted in injury.
Excerpt: While 3,563 magpie attacks were recorded across Australia in 2024, only 13 per cent resulted in injury
https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/news/community/magpie-swooping-season-victoria-advice.html
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: But despite their reputation, magpie attacks are relatively rare—less than 10 per cent of males swoop people, and research suggests it’s a learned behaviour...
Excerpt: The reality is that fewer than 10 per cent of male magpies actually swoop people, and most of those that do make harmless near-misses rather than contact
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
Watch out! Magpie swooping season has begun in Australia—here’s how to avoid being attacked
Cited text: In Australia, swooping season typically runs from the end of winter and throughout spring (August to October), peaking in September.
Excerpt: Swooping season typically runs from August to October, peaking in September
https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/magpie-swooping-season-in-australia-091225
Watch out! Magpie swooping season has begun in Australia—here’s how to avoid being attacked
Cited text: In Australia, swooping season typically runs from the end of winter and throughout spring (August to October), peaking in September.
Excerpt: Swooping season typically runs from August to October, peaking in September
https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/magpie-swooping-season-in-australia-091225
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: Approximately 90 per cent of male magpies won’t swoop and females typically don’t swoop at all.
Excerpt: Approximately 90 per cent of male magpies won't swoop, and females typically don't swoop at all
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Watch out! Magpie swooping season has begun in Australia—here’s how to avoid being attacked
Cited text: But keep in mind that each magpie will only swoop for around six to eight weeks after laying their eggs.
Excerpt: Each magpie will only swoop for around 6-8 weeks after laying eggs
https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/magpie-swooping-season-in-australia-091225
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: Otherwise, it’s best to keep a safe distance from their nest and move quickly through the area: magpies typically swoop pedestrians within 50 metres o...
Excerpt: Magpies typically swoop pedestrians within 50 metres of their nest, or 100 metres for cyclists
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: People often assume that swooping by magpies is aggressive behaviour, but experts agree that it is generally a defence strategy aimed to deter potenti...
Excerpt: Magpie swooping isn't aggressive behaviour but a defensive strategy to deter potential predators that may harm their young
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: To a magpie, the faster you’re moving, the greater the threat—which is why cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers are common targets.
Excerpt: To a magpie, the faster you're moving, the greater the threat, which is why cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers are common targets
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: It is the expectant father magpie that will defend the nest from the time the eggs are laid until the young birds are fledged.
Excerpt: It's the expectant father magpie that defends the nest from when eggs are laid until the young birds fledge
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: To a magpie, if you run away screaming with arms flailing, this confirms you’re a threat that needs swooping.
Excerpt: magpies interpret running away screaming with arms flailing as confirmation that you're a threat needing swooping
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
Magpies remember people for years, expert says—The Source News
Cited text: “Remember that magpies that attack people are almost always specialists on either pedestrians, cyclists or posties, and won’t attack other types,” Pro...
Excerpt: attacking magpies are usually specialists, targeting either pedestrians, cyclists, or posties, but won't attack other types
https://thesourcenews.com/2017/09/18/magpies-remember-people-for-years-expert-says/
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: Walk or ride in groups, as swooping birds usually only target individuals.
Excerpt: Walk in groups—swooping birds usually only target individuals
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: Wear sunglasses and a hat or helmet to help protect your face while walking or riding near swooping magpies.
Excerpt: Wear sunglasses and a hat or helmet to protect your face
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
How to survive magpie swooping season | ANU College of Science and Medicine
Cited text: · If a magpie tries to swoop you, bend your elbow and bring your forearm close to your head to protect your face. Once your eyes are covered, look dow...
Excerpt: If swooped, bring your forearm to your head, look down and walk away calmly
https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-survive-magpie-swooping-season
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: Get off your bike: if you’re on a bike, it’s safest to get off and walk away.
Excerpt: If cycling, dismount immediately and walk through the attack zone
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
How to survive magpie swooping season | ANU College of Science and Medicine
Cited text: Cyclists should also dismount their bikes and proceed on foot through a magpie's attack zone.
Excerpt: If cycling, dismount immediately and walk through the attack zone
https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-survive-magpie-swooping-season
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: If you’re out and about on your bike, walking your dog or going for a jog, the best way to avoid being swooped is to change your route for the breedin...
Excerpt: Change your route for 6-8 weeks during breeding season
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: You can even try drawing a pair of eyes and wearing them at the back of your head, as birds are less likely to attack if they think you’re watching th...
Excerpt: Try drawing eyes on the back of your hat—birds are less likely to attack if they think you're watching
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
How to survive magpie swooping season | ANU College of Science and Medicine
Cited text: · 'Running or cycling away is not a good idea,' Ratnayake says. 'Most recorded injuries occur when people try to avoid being attacked—especially whe...
Excerpt: Don't run or cycle away quickly, as most recorded injuries occur when people try to avoid being attacked, especially when cycling
https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-survive-magpie-swooping-season
Australian magpie—Wikipedia
Cited text: Some claim that hand-feeding magpies can reduce the risk of swooping. Magpies will become accustomed to being fed by humans, and although they are wil...
Excerpt: Some claim that hand-feeding magpies can reduce swooping risk, as magpies become accustomed to humans and see them as less threatening to nesting birds
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_magpie
Swooping season—BirdLife Australia
Cited text: Did you know: magpies rarely swoop people in Tasmania—but the reason for their relaxed attitude to people is unknown.
Excerpt: Magpies rarely swoop people in Tasmania, though the reason for their relaxed attitude toward humans remains unknown
https://birdlife.org.au/news/its-magpie-swooping-season-once-again/
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: Interesting fact: Magpies can remember many different individual human faces! They also have very long memories. So, if you’ve been swooped before, or...
Excerpt: mainland magpies can remember many different human faces and have very long memories—if you've been swooped before, or even look like someone they swooped last year, you're likely to get the same treatment again
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: The Australian Magpie can live for 25 to 30 years and has a distinctive, cheerful warbling cry. Magpies are extremely curious and often friendly garde...
Excerpt: Australian magpies can live 25-30 years and are curious, often friendly garden visitors outside breeding season
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Everything you need to know about magpie swooping season
Cited text: Magpies are beneficial to agriculture, conservation areas and gardens because they feed on pest insects.
Excerpt: They're beneficial to agriculture and gardens because they feed on pest insects
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/08/magpie-swooping-season
Australian magpie—Wikipedia
Cited text: A magpie defending its territory from a brown goshawk · Magpies are a protected native species in Australia, so it is illegal to kill or harm them. Ho...
Excerpt: While magpies are protected native species and it's illegal to kill or harm them, some states provide exceptions allowing particularly aggressive birds to be killed if they attack humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_magpie
Australian magpie—Wikipedia
Cited text: More commonly, an aggressive bird will be caught and relocated to an unpopulated area.
Excerpt: More commonly, aggressive birds are caught and relocated to unpopulated areas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_magpie
How to survive magpie swooping season | ANU College of Science and Medicine
Cited text: The good news is that swooping season doesn't last forever. Statistics compiled by the community website Magpie Alert suggest that most swooping takes...
Excerpt: most swooping occurring between August and October according to Magpie Alert statistics
https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-survive-magpie-swooping-season
How to survive magpie swooping season | ANU College of Science and Medicine
Cited text: · 'When the fledglings are out of the nest, the nest defence activity decreases,' Ratnayake says.
Excerpt: When fledglings leave the nest, defensive behaviour decreases
https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-survive-magpie-swooping-season
MAGPIE ALERT! For Aussies to Share Swooping Magpie Attacks Across Australia
Cited text: Sat on the bench on my lunch break when a magpie skimmed my head 3 times Reported by Cerys September 16th, 2025 01:46 PM · Magpies are protected throu...
Excerpt: If you feel a magpie is a serious menace, it should be reported to your local council
How to survive magpie swooping season | ANU College of Science and Medicine
Cited text: Swooping season can be a nuisance, but remember, the magpies are only trying to protect their babies. Respect their space, protect your face and stay ...
Excerpt: magpies are only trying to protect their babies. Respect their space, protect your face, and stay safe
https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-survive-magpie-swooping-season
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