Brolga

Scientific name: Grus rubicunda

Family: Gruidae (Crane family)

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.

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.


Behavior
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.

Diet
The Brolga is omnivorous and utilises a diverse range of food items on a seasonal basis, including vegetable material, amphibians, sometimes small fish and a wide range of invertebrates, including freshwater molluscs, crustaceans and insects.

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.

        

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