Intense moment an aggressive magpie attacks a drone flying over a beach before swooping the owner

• Aggressive magpie was filmed chasing a drone before swooping the owner 
• Footage of the encounter shows the bird pursing the drone through the sky
• Incredible video recorded by the drone itself shows the magpie's attacks
• The bird eventually manages to knock the drone out of the sky onto the ground

Incredible footage has emerged of a magpie attacking a drone, chasing it and knocking it out of the sky.

Video recorded by an FPV drone operator in Australia on Tuesday shows the moment the magpie spots its target and takes off after it.

The caption on TikTok sums up the intense footage: 'everything wants to kill you in Australia, even the birds'. An FPV drone or first-person view drone is a flying drone that uses an onboard camera, relaying live video to goggles for the user to control flight in real time. 

The pilot does his best to escape the magpie, flying sideways across the beach as the bird flies after it, as the video switches between land and the drone.The magpie then seems to get the better of the device, before the drone pilot flies it directly upwards and the magpie spreads its wings while trying to peck at it.

The chase continues across the beach, but the magpie strikes the drone while it is travelling down, sending it crashing into the grass. 

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TikTok footage posted by user fabreezy_ shows a furious magpie attacking a drone flying over an Australian beach (pictured, the angry magpie chasing the drone)

The triumphant bird then trots over to the fallen drone before spotting the operator, looking at him to determine if he is a threat or not.

The magpie encounter comes after a baby girl was killed in a freak magpie swooping accident on August 8.

Simone, 30, was walking through Glindemann Park in Holland Park West, south-east Brisbane, with baby Mia in her arms when she tripped while trying to avoid the aggressive magpie. 

The little girl suffered head injuries and paramedics took her to Queensland Children Hospital, but she couldn't be saved. 

Jacob, the baby's father, said Mia was the most precious gift that he and Simone 'ever received' and that her 'adorable laugh' and 'infectious smile' brought joy to everyone's lives. 

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The magpie is captured chasing and pecking out at the drone in attempts to bring it to the ground, considering the flying device a threat (pictured, the magpie chase)

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the magpie has been moved 'a long way away'.

'The bird has been moved well outside of the urban area and into a place where it can't come back to Holland Park. That is an option we have available to us and one we use from time to time,' he said.

Magpies are a protected species in Australia and it is an offence to hurt or kill them.

If they are moved more than 50km away from their nest, they are unlikely to return, but the community is warned of the dangers presented by magpies during breeding season.

During the peak season, from August through to November, magpies mainly try to defend their nest, and will attack anything considered to be a potential threat. 

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Magpies are in their peak breeding season, between August and November and become aggressive while looking after their territory (stock)

Why do magpies swoop?

Magpies begin sweeping around peak breeding season from August through to November. 

During breeding season, magpies are mainly trying to defend their nest and its inhabitants. Breeding sites for the magpies are in short supply, and once the site has been gained, the magpies must defend it to prevent the territory being reduced or seized.

Male magpies will defend the nest during breeding season until the eggs are laid and the young birds are developed. This means that they will attack anything they consider to be a potential threat such as humans or animals by swooping down with a fast flight which can lead to contact being made.

Magpies will usually attack from behind so facing them has been known to halt a possible attack.

Male adult magpies use body language such as beak clapping, whooshing above the head and screeching to warn you to stay away from their nest with eggs or newly-hatched chicks.  

Experts recommend you don't fight back or try to run away from the magpie quickly. The main thing is to stay calm as panicking will make the magpie more aggressive and cause more swooping. It is advised that you move away from the area slowly.

HOW TO AVOID SWOOPING 

 - If your usual route is near a magpie's nesting area, try to change your route for the breeding season

- Protect your face by covering up with sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. You could also hold an open umbrella above your head

-  If you know an area has swooping magpies, put up signs to warn other residents to avoid the area 

Sources: The Australian Museum, PETA Australia