The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is reminding central Victorians to be alert for swooping birds.

It follows several reports of magpies swooping in parts of Bendigo in the past fortnight as part of their normal breeding behaviour.

DELWP senior wildlife officer Brady Childs said even though spring has only just begun, some birds such as plovers and Magpies are already protecting their nesting sites by swooping.

She said swooping was normal bird behaviour and urged people to be aware.

"Birds swoop only for a short period of time, about four to six weeks, so if possible the best response is to keep away from the area during this time," Ms Childs said.

“People should remember not to harm native birds as they are protected under the Wildlife Act. 

“If you do end up in an area where there is a swooping bird, try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly through the area."

New research has revealed magpies can use facial recognition to target certain people ecologist  found that magpies can recognise and remember passers-by, focussing attacks on certain, familiar people.

Mr Brady said magpies swooped to defend their eggs and young.

"If they perceive you to be a potential  threat, they may swoop," he said.

DELWP is encouraging people to notify others in their local areas about swooping birds by reporting incidents via the  Victorian Magpie Map on its website.

To report an incident visit www.delwp.vic.gov.au/swoop