Brolga

(Grus rubicunda)

Live: Australia. Widespread in the tropical north - Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland - and in New South Wales and western Victoria.

Habitat: Large open wetlands, grassy plains, mudflats, irrigated agricultural areas, estuaries, near water in arid and semi-arid regions.

Diet: Mainly wetland plants and crops. Tubers of sedge are popular in the north. Insects, molluscs, amphibians and small rodents make up most of the meat in their diet.

Gestation: Usually 2 eggs are laid and incubation takes 30 days.

Lifespan: In captivity, 33 years.

Status: Endangered

General: A large silver-grey crane up to 1.3m tall, weighing up to 7kg, and with a wingspan up to 2.4m. It has a bald red head with a grey crown, and a black flap of skin under the chin. The legs are grey.

The courtship dance performed by both male and female is well-known and involves varied patterns of movement and vocalisations.

Breeding usually occurs during September and December in the south and February to May in the north, and is determined by rainfall. The nest is made up of a large pile of vegetation on a mound surrounded by water or swamp.

Brolgas are believed to mate for life, and their bond is believed to be strengthened by the courtship ritual.