Brolga

Least Concern

Antigone rubicunda

No ratings yet
Rate this bird
With its graceful movements and towering height, this majestic crane dances across Australia's wetlands, the Brolga's trumpeting call and graceful dance have secured its spot as an iconic symbol of the Australian outback.

Visual Identification

Brolga

Brolga

Appearance

The Brolga is a tall, stately crane with predominantly grey plumage. Its long neck, slender legs, and distinctive red patch on the back of its head make it easily identifiable. The bird's wingspan can reach an impressive 2.4 meters.

Both males and females look similar. Juveniles are duller in colour and lack the vibrant red patch until they reach maturity.

Size

Length

100cm to 140cm

Wingspan

180cm to 240cm

Weight

4.7kg to 8.7kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey

Secondary Colour

Red

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Brolgas inhabit various wetland environments, including freshwater marshes, floodplains, and grasslands. They are primarily found across northern and eastern Australia, with some populations in southern New Guinea.

During the dry season, Brolgas may congregate in coastal and sub coastal areas. In Australia, they are common in the northern tropics and can be found in reduced numbers in the southeast, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Breeding
Non-breeding

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Brolga and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 70
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 75

Diet

Brolgas are omnivorous, eating plant matter, insects, and small vertebrates. They use their long bills to dig for tubers and roots in wetlands and consume crops like cereal grains and peanuts when foraging in agricultural areas.

Behaviour

Brolgas are known for their spectacular courtship displays, involving elaborate dances with intricate steps, wing-flapping, and loud trumpeting calls. They are often seen foraging in shallow waters, using their bills to probe for food.

Highly social, Brolgas typically gather in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming large flocks in favourable habitats.

Vocalisation

The Brolga's call is a loud, trumpeting sound that can be heard from great distances. Their vocalisations include a variety of bugling and purring notes, often described as 'kar-roo, kar-roo'.

During courtship displays, pairs engage in synchronised calling, creating a haunting duet across the landscape.

Nesting & Breeding

Brolgas form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate courtship rituals, including synchronised dancing and calling. The breeding season varies by region but typically occurs during the wet season in northern Australia.

Nests are constructed on slightly raised mounds in shallow water or on dry ground near water. They are simple platforms of grasses and sedges. Females usually lay two eggs, which are pale olive to cream in colour with brown markings.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 32 days. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. They remain with their parents for up to 11 months, learning essential survival skills.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 20 - 30 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 33 years [1]
0
9
18
26
35

years

The Brolga typically lives for 20 to 30 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 33 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

While listed as Least Concern globally, Brolgas face localised threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and water management practices.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, particularly in southern Australia, where populations have declined.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

20,000 - 100,000 mature individuals

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Brolgas in open wetlands, shallow marshes, and grassy plains.
  • Listen for their distinctive trumpeting call, especially during breeding season.
  • Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
  • Use a spotting scope to watch their fascinating courtship dances from a distance.
  • In Australia, visit known habitats like Kakadu National Park or the Gulf Country region.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Australian Crane

Family:

Gruidae

Predators

Adult Brolgas have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to dingoes, foxes, and large birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles.

Did You Know?

  1. Brolgas can live for over 30 years in captivity.
  2. They are excellent swimmers and can cross deep water bodies when necessary.
  3. Aboriginal Dreamtime stories often feature Brolgas, associating them with dance and joy.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Antigone rubicunda. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22692067A93335916.

    View source
  2. 1 3

    report, 2006: Wetlands International