Other Names: Australian Crane
Scientific Name: Grus rubicunda
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Length: 95–135 cm
Incubation: 28–30 days
Number of eggs: 2

Distribution: Northern and Eastern Australia
Habitat: Swamplands

Description: The Brolga is a long legged bird with a silvery-grey body. The undersides of the wingtips are black or dark brown and part of the head and neck are scarlet. The Brolga stands up to 140 cm tall. Females are slightly smaller than the males.

Diet: Brolgas are omnivores and eat sedge tubers, insects and aquatic invertebrates.

In the wild: Breeding pairs bond for life. They engage in dramatic displays involving leaps, head shaking and loud trumpeting. These dances may help to strengthen the bond between males and females outside the breeding season. When the young hatch, they are taken care of by both partners and remain with their parents for a year or more.

Threats: Habitat destruction due to the filling in of swamps and wetlands is a threat to their survival.

At Perth Zoo: Brolgas can be seen inside the Australian Wetlands with many other water birds.

Did you know? An Aboriginal legend says the Brolga was once a famous dancer named Buralga.