Antigone rubicunda
The Brolga, *Antigone rubicunda*, is a magnificent, large, predominantly grey crane native to northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea. Standing impressively at up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) tall with a wingspan reaching 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) and weighing 3.7-8.7 kg (8.2-19.2 lbs), it is easily recognized by its distinctive patch of bare, reddish-orange skin on the face and hind-neck. Its plumage is a uniform silver-grey, contrasting with black primary flight feathers visible in f...
Primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands, floodplains, grasslands, and savanna woodlands, often near ephemeral or permanent water sources. Typically found in low-lying, open areas.
Omnivorous, feeding mainly on tubers of aquatic plants, roots, seeds, grains, and a variety of invertebrates including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans, as well as small vertebrates like frogs and lizards. Primarily forages by probing and gleaning.
Brolgas are diurnal, spending their days foraging and typically roosting communally at night in shallow water, which offers protection from predators. Their foraging strategy involves wading through wetlands, probing the soft substrate for tubers and insects, and gleaning seeds from the ground. D...
The Brolga is endemic to Australia and southern New Guinea, though its distribution is primarily concentrated in northern and eastern Australia. Its main breeding stronghold is across northern Australia, encompassing the tropical savannas and wetlands of Queensland, the Northern Territory, and pa...
Least Concern
- The Brolga is the official state bird emblem of Queensland, Australia. - Its name 'Brolga' is derived from the Gamilaraay Aboriginal word 'Burralga'. - It is one of only two crane species found in Australia, the other being the Sarus Crane, which is slightly larger and has red coloring extendin...