As spring approaches, some native birds may swoop during their breeding season.

Simon Ruff, Senior Wildlife Projects Officer at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said: "Every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable.

"While swooping is unsettling, it's normal behaviour for a range of native birds, warning people and animals not to come near their young. It's rare for birds to make contact."

Native birds swoop in urban and rural areas, parks and gardens, along bike tracks or anywhere that birds are nesting. Species that may swoop commonly include magpies, masked lapwings (plovers) and butcherbirds.

"Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of magpies or other common swooping birds doesn't necessarily mean you'll be swooped," Mr Ruff said.

"Remember, the swooping behaviour will only last a short time, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest."

If you are worried about being caught out by a protective bird this spring, here are some steps you can take to feel safe, while also helping our native birds:

• Know your local swooping hotspots and avoid the area
• Move quickly but do not run if you find yourself close to a swooping bird
• Wear protective head and eye coverings
• Don't harass birds - this can make swooping worse
• Don't feed the birds and do not destroy their nests

Avoid known swooping hotspots by planning your route. Report a swooping incident on Victoria's interactive swooping bird map by visiting: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds

All native wildlife is protected by law. Harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria and penalties apply.

You can report wildlife crime such as harassing, harming or disturbing wildlife to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.