And that’s because, unlike the more docile magpies we’re used to in Europe, Australian magpies are a little more chaotic, hold a little bit more of a grudge and at the moment, Australia is in what is ...

SWOOPING season is upon us. Cyclists and pedestrians across Melbourne are bracing themselves for magpie attacks, which have become as synonymous with spring as florals and hayfever.

Followed categories will be added to My News. More than a dozen “vicious” magpie attacks have been reported in the Geelong region just days into swooping season.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said magpie breeding season runs from July to December, with most swooping incidents occurring between September and November.