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Brolga

Did you know?

The Brolga is one of Australia's two crane species, and is known for its spectacular dance displays by both sexes during breeding season.

Calls
The Brolga's call is a loud trumpeting 'garooo' or 'kaweee-kreee-kurr-kurr-kurr-kurr-kurr-kurr', which is given in flight, at rest or during courtship.
Facts and Figures
Research Species: 
No
Minimum Size: 
100cm
Maximum Size: 
125cm
Average size: 
112cm
Breeding season: 
September to December in the south; February to May in the north
Clutch Size: 
2 eggs
Incubation: 
32 days
Conservation Status
Federal: 
Secure
NSW: 
Vulnerable
NT: 
Secure
QLD: 
Secure
SA: 
Vulnerable
TAS: 
Not present
VIC: 
Vulnerable
WA: 
Secure
Basic Information
Scientific Name: 
Grus rubicunda
Featured bird groups: 
Birds under threat
Water birds
Atlas Number: 
177
What does it look like?
Description: 

The Brolga is a large grey crane, with a featherless red head and grey crown. The legs are grey and there is a black dewlap under the chin. Females are shorter than males. The energetic dance performed by the Brolga is a spectacular sight. Displays may be given at any time of the year and by birds of any age.

Similar species: 

 

The Sarus Crane, G. antigone, another species of crane found in Australia, can be identified by its dull pink legs and the red of its head extending down the neck.

Where does it live?
Distribution: 

 

The Brolga is found across tropical northern Australia, southwards through north-east and east central areas, as well as central New South Wales to western Victoria.

Habitat: 

 

The Brolga inhabits large open wetlands, grassy plains, coastal mudflats and irrigated croplands and, less frequently, mangrove-studded creeks and estuaries. It is less common in arid and semi-arid regions, but will occur close to water.

Seasonal movements: 

 

Outside the breeding season, Brolgas form large family groups and flocks of up to a hundred birds. These groups may be partially nomadic or may stay in the same area. Some birds also migrate northwards.

What does it do?
Feeding: 

 

Brolgas are omnivorous (feeding on both vegetable and animal matter), but primarily feed upon tubers and some crops. Some insects, molluscs, amphibians and even mice are also taken.

Breeding: 

 

Brolgas probably mate for life, and pair bonds are strengthened during elaborate courtship displays, which involve much dancing, leaping, wing-flapping and loud trumpeting. An isolated territory is established, and is vigorously defended by both partners. The white (blotched with brown and purple) eggs are laid in a single clutch. The nest is a large mound of vegetation on a small island in a shallow waterway or swamp. Both adults incubate the eggs and care for the young birds.

Living with us

 

Within New South Wales, Brolga numbers have been much reduced because of widespread drainage of suitable habitat for agriculture, land reclamation and water regulation, but birds are still common and widespread throughout Australia's north.

 

References: 
The Waterbirds of Australia
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