Brolgas
Brolgas (Grus
rubicunda)
have always been one of my favourite Australian birds.
I
think because once, when in the Northern Territory, a pair were dancing
by the side of the road, which was pretty unusual.
Brolgas are found in Northern Australia, but can also be found in Westerm Victoria and parts of New South Wales.
They are a large bird, in the crane family. The head is without feathers and is coloured red with a grey crown. They have black dewlaps under their chins, and their legs are grey. The males are taller than the females.
Brolgas are known for their dancing. It is really something to see, and the birds may display this behaviour at any age, and at any time of year.
Habitat
Brolgas live in open wetlands, grassy plains, irrigated areas, and coastal mudflats. They may occasionally be found in mangrove swamps. They can be found in drier areas, but they must have water nearby.
The birds like to be near swamps, flooded areas and salt marshes, where their favourite foods can be found in good supply. They eat a varied diet of seeds, shoots, bulbs and invertebrates.
Mating
Brolgas pair for life, probably six to eight years, but their life span is not really known. They bond with dancing displays, flapping their wings and trumpeting loudly. They will establish a territory, and both male and female will defend it.
When
nesting, they will look for a swampty place, with a lot of shallow
water, and good cover. The chicks are then hidden from
flying
predators, and the water will keep a lot of other predators away from
the nest.
Brolgas lay from 2 to 4 eggs in a clutch, and the eggs are white blotched with purple and brown. Both parents will incubate and care for the young. The eggs hatch after about 30 days.
A Brolga chick will take about 100 days to learn how to fly, and the parents will have to guard it against predation for this time, when it is at its most vulnerable.
Fortunately, at the moment, brolgas are not classed as endangered.
Brolgas are found in Northern Australia, but can also be found in Westerm Victoria and parts of New South Wales.
They are a large bird, in the crane family. The head is without feathers and is coloured red with a grey crown. They have black dewlaps under their chins, and their legs are grey. The males are taller than the females.
Brolgas are known for their dancing. It is really something to see, and the birds may display this behaviour at any age, and at any time of year.
Habitat
Brolgas live in open wetlands, grassy plains, irrigated areas, and coastal mudflats. They may occasionally be found in mangrove swamps. They can be found in drier areas, but they must have water nearby.
The birds like to be near swamps, flooded areas and salt marshes, where their favourite foods can be found in good supply. They eat a varied diet of seeds, shoots, bulbs and invertebrates.
Mating
Brolgas pair for life, probably six to eight years, but their life span is not really known. They bond with dancing displays, flapping their wings and trumpeting loudly. They will establish a territory, and both male and female will defend it.
Brolgas lay from 2 to 4 eggs in a clutch, and the eggs are white blotched with purple and brown. Both parents will incubate and care for the young. The eggs hatch after about 30 days.
A Brolga chick will take about 100 days to learn how to fly, and the parents will have to guard it against predation for this time, when it is at its most vulnerable.
Fortunately, at the moment, brolgas are not classed as endangered.