BROLGA
Antigone rubicunda
DESCRIPTION
The Brolga is one of Australia’s largest and most recognisable waterbirds. It has a tall body, long legs and neck, grey plumage and a distinctive red-orange head. Brolgas are famous for their elaborate courtship dances, which include bowing, jumping, calling and spreading their wings.
QUICK FACTS
Brolgas are native to Australia and New Guinea.
• They can stand more than one metre tall.
• Their loud trumpeting calls can carry over long distances.
• Brolgas are well known for their spectacular dancing displays.
• Pairs often stay together for many years.
• Both parents help build the nest and care for their young.
• Their large wings allow them to travel considerable distances between feeding and breeding areas.
WHERE IT LIVES
Brolgas are found across northern and eastern Australia. They live around freshwater wetlands, floodplains, swamps, grasslands and open woodland. In northern Australia they often move between different areas as water and food availability change with the seasons.
WHAT IT EATS
Brolgas are omnivores. They eat seeds, grasses, roots and other plant material as well as insects, frogs, small reptiles and other small animals they find while foraging.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
Brolgas are wonderful birds to photograph because you never quite know what they will do next. I was watching these two when one suddenly opened its enormous wings, giving me a completely different photograph. I captured the moment with the second Brolga standing nearby. Seeing those huge wings spread against the green grass showed just how impressive these birds really are.