HEIGHT: ~ 161 cm, 5 ft
WEIGHT: ~ 6 kg, 13 lbs
WINGSPAN: ~ 180 cm, 6 ft
POPULATION: 50,000 – 100,000
TREND: Unknown
STATUS: IUCN: LC; Cites Appendix II
HEIGHT: ~ 161 cm, 5 ft
WEIGHT: ~ 6 kg, 13 lbs
WINGSPAN: ~ 180 cm, 6 ft
POPULATION: 50,000 – 100,000
TREND: Unknown
STATUS: IUCN: LC; Cites Appendix II
A salt gland located near the eye allows the Brolga to excrete a concentrated salt solution from the saltwater they drink.
Adults – bare crown covered with greenish grey skin, face, cheeks and pendulous throat pouch have red skin, plumage is light bluish grey to grey, black legs; juveniles – pale grey body feathers, cinnamon-brown head, dark brown eyes.
The Brolga occurs throughout northern and eastern Australia and in limited areas of Papua New Guinea. There are also small populations in southeastern Australia. Brolgas are non-migratory but move in response to seasonal rains.
Bulkuru tubers, wetland plants, upland plants and grains, insects, mollusks, crustaceans and frogs.
Habitat loss, prolonged drought and desertification, especially related to climate change.
Monitoring the status of cranes and their habitats from South Asia to Australia and implementing conservation strategies to address emerging threats. We are:
Become a member of the International Crane Foundation.
Learn more about the Brolga:
Johnsgard PA. 1983. Cranes of the world. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.