Brolga
Antigone rubicunda
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Brolga. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Brolga displays remarkable agility, particularly evident in its elaborate courtship dances. These intricate performances involve complex steps and wing movements, showcasing the bird's impressive coordination and grace. Their ability to navigate varied terrains, from wetlands to grasslands, further demonstrates their agile nature.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a large crane species, the Brolga possesses considerable strength. Their ability to probe for food in tough soil and their impressive wingspan of up to 2.4 metres indicate robust musculature. However, they are not known for feats of extreme strength compared to some predatory birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Brolgas exhibit high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from tropical wetlands to temperate grasslands. Their omnivorous diet allows them to adjust to varying food availability, and their partial migratory behaviour demonstrates flexibility in response to environmental changes. Their ability to swim when necessary further showcases their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While Brolgas are not typically aggressive birds, they may display territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their large size can be intimidating, but they generally prefer to avoid confrontation. They are more known for their social nature and elaborate courtship displays than for aggressive tendencies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Brolgas demonstrate good endurance, evidenced by their ability to undertake partial migrations and their long-lasting courtship dances. Their capacity to forage extensively and their longevity (living up to 30 years in captivity) suggest robust stamina. However, they are not known for extreme feats of endurance like some migratory species.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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
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
Predators
Did You Know?
- Brolgas can live for over 30 years in captivity.
- They are excellent swimmers and can cross deep water bodies when necessary.
- Aboriginal Dreamtime stories often feature Brolgas, associating them with dance and joy.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Antigone rubicunda. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22692067A93335916.
View source - 2 3
report, 2006: Wetlands International
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