Magpies Swoop Down on Cyclists in Australia's 2025 Breeding Season

As Australia's 2025 magpie breeding season gets underway, the country's cyclists are facing a serious threat from the territorial birds. According to the latest statistics, nearly two-thirds of the 3,431 reported magpie attacks so far this season have targeted people on bikes.

Magpies are known for their aggressive behavior during the spring nesting period, which lasts around six weeks. During this time, the birds fiercely defend their nests and chicks, seeing passing humans as potential threats. However, cyclists appear to be particularly at risk, with their fast-moving bikes triggering a stronger defensive response from the magpies.

"Something more dangerous is likely to be moving fast," explains BirdLife Australia's Sean Dooley. "If there's a predator coming, it's not going to saunter in. A currawong, an eagle, they're going to rush in really quickly." This helps explain why magpies seem to single out cyclists for their swooping attacks.

To avoid becoming a target, experts advise cyclists to slow down or even get off their bikes and walk when passing through areas known to be home to aggressive magpies. Maintaining a safe distance from the birds' nests is also crucial. While not all magpies are aggressive, those that are can remember and continue to target the same people, making it important for cyclists to take evasive action.